Noleen Hausler slams State Government’s response to Oakden nursing home scandal

THE woman whose covert film of her elderly father being assaulted in his aged care bedroom has slammed the State Government’s response to the Oakden scandal.

• Noleen Hausler’s push for spy cameras in nursing homes
• Report response: Spy cameras and investigations unit to be set up

THE woman who secretly filmed the horrifying assault of her father, 89, has criticised the State Government’s response to the Oakden scandal, saying their proposed protection for the elderly is inadequate.

Responding to the damning ICAC report into systematic abuse of residents at the now closed facility, Premier Jay Weatherill said cameras would be installed in both common and public areas of a new $14 million centre.

Noleen Hausler said CCTV was already in use in common areas in many nursing homes, and instead, called for laws allowing families to install cameras in bedrooms.

Noleen Hausler with a photo of her father Clarence. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Ms Hausler’s covert footage revealed her bedridden father Clarence, now deceased, was repeatedly assaulted in the Mitcham Residential Care Facility in 2015.

“There needs to be the right for residents’ families and advocates to put cameras in their private rooms,” Ms Hausler said, adding: “They need protection in their bedrooms when the doors shut.”

Mr Weatherill said CCTV footage could “help to safeguard against elder abuse” and his Government “supports the use” of the cameras elsewhere.

However, it will not legislate to require cameras in private or federally-run homes and could only advocate for to change federal privacy rules that “may be a barrier”.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander QC made 13 recommendations in his Oakden report, all of which the Government has accepted.

Mr Weatherill said a new investigation unit would ensure all former Oakden staff involved in mistreatment “are held accountable” and that unresolved allegations are reinvestigated.

The response will include reviews of the Mental Health Act and powers of the Chief Psychiatrist, the use of physical restraints on patients.