Taskforce set up to investigate death of cerebral palsy sufferer Ann Marie Smith, who spent a year in a chair
The chairman of a taskforce investigating the disability system after the death of cerebral palsy sufferer Ann Marie Smith says what happened to her is the worst thing he’s heard of in 45 years.
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- Carer investigated over death of Ann Marie Smith is sacked
- Premier sickened by Ann Marie Smith’s death
An official taskforce will investigate how disability system failings “let down” an Adelaide cerebral palsy sufferer, who died after spending a year in a chair.
Major Crime detectives are conducting a manslaughter investigation into the death of Ann Marie Smith, 54, who received NDIS-funded support in her eastern suburbs home.
State Cabinet on Monday authorised the taskforce to investigate system “gaps” amid mounting calls for more oversight into care providers.
The taskforce’s chairman, South Australia’s Disability Advocate David Caudrey, described Ms Smith’s case as the worst he had heard of during nearly five decades in the industry.
The 12-member taskforce will include experts, people with disabilities, family members, carers and advocates. It will report to the State Government within weeks.
“We will look at how the system let down Ann Marie and possibly other people,” Dr Caudrey told The Advertiser.
“The whole thing is a terrible disaster for the state and how it could happen. This particular case is the worst thing I have heard of in more than 45 years, it really has been very bad. Really, what we are looking at is what things could we put in place so we can safeguard people. How did this occur in this day and age?
“Well it shouldn’t have, but the fact is it has, and somehow there has been gaps in the safeguards. That is what we have to get to the bottom of.”
Police are investigating “all people who had a role” in caring for Ms Smith at her Kensington Park home, where she was found living in “disgusting and degrading circumstances”. Flowers have been placed at her door.
Ms Smith had been unable to move from a woven cane chair in her loungeroom for more than a year, with no access to a toilet or fridge.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is also investigating care provider Integrity Care SA, based in Edwardstown, while the State Coroner will hold an inquest after the criminal inquiry.
A spokesman for Integrity Care SA refused to comment but the firm has sacked the carer who looked after Ms Smith for six years. It was officially sanctioned last Friday over NDIS scheme breaches.
Registered as a not-for-profit company for the past three years, records show it generated more than $1.5 million in revenue during 2017-18 but posted a small loss.
Dr Caudrey, a former Disability SA executive director and boss of children’s charity Novita, said one of the focuses was whether more than one carer should visit a person’s home for checks.
“What we are looking to do is really look at gaps in services and in particularly for people who are very vulnerable,” he said.
“People who might have severe disabilities, perhaps communication difficulties and who are somewhat socially isolated. Therefore, they are extremely vulnerable and if you are not careful, this type of incident can occur.”
Condemning the “sickening” case, Premier Steven Marshall said Ms Smith was previously a client of Disability SA until 2018 when her care was shifted to the federal National Disability Insurance Agency scheme.
“This case and the alleged horrific conditions in which she was living have sickened us,” he said. “We must make sure this never, ever happens again.”
He has said state-based audits could be introduced.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said she first learnt on Friday about Ms Smith’s April 6 death.
Federal NDIS Minister Stuart Robert, however, received official notification more than a month ago. “It’s an incredibly tragic case, it is heartbreaking. I think the nation needs answers on this,” Mr Robert said.
SA Equal Opportunity commissioner Dr Niki Vincent called for more oversight, saying the most common complaint her office receives involves disabled people being discriminated against in employment. “We have to have a comprehensive system of oversight in caring that does not allow people to fall through the cracks in such terribly tragic ways,” she said.
Labor spokeswoman Nat Cook called for an independent inquiry: “A Government investigating itself never ends well.”