Victoria Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge

Statement From The Minister For Community Services Mary Wooldridge

Victor P Taffa

I am appalled by the incident described in the Ombudsman’s report of an assault of a disabled man in March 2008 by Department of Human Services staff.

This incident should never have taken place and should not have been responded to in the manner outlined.

I have sought assurances from the Secretary of DHS that the man at the centre of this incident is safe and not at risk of further harm.

I have been advised that the Secretary has this morning stood down three staff pending a full investigation. A fourth staff member has been moved to duties not involving disability clients.

The matter has also been referred to Victoria Police.

The Ombudsman made a series of recommendations in his report, and I accept every one of them. However, a broader response is also necessary to ensure that an incident like this does not happen again.

A new Adverse Events Procedure to promptly deal with allegations of this kind in supported accommodation will be implemented this week and will be fully established within each DHS region by May.

In addition a formal alert system has been established so the Public Advocate can immediately escalate issues of concern to the Executive Director of Disability Services in DHS.

The vast majority of the 5,500 staff employed by DHS in supported accommodation houses do a great job in often difficult circumstances. However, actions of staff, as outlined in this report, are clearly unacceptable.

Given that investigations are pending, I do not intend to comment further at this time in the interests of not prejudicing any investigation.