Oakden scandal: ICAC commissioner Bruce Lander to publish report just before SA election

LABOR is bracing for a state election campaign bombshell when a key report into the Oakden aged-care disgrace is released just days before polling day.

• ICAC’s Oakden inquiry has interviewed 78 people
• Exposed: The horrific secrets of Oakden nursing home

LABOR is bracing for a state election campaign bombshell when a key report into the Oakden aged-care disgrace is released just days before polling day.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander plans to release his final report into the Oakden nursing home by February 28 — and to name names.

Mr Lander launched his maladministration inquiry last year after a harrowing report from former chief psychiatrist Aaron Groves uncovered allegations of neglect and abuse at the facility, a culture of cover-up and warned that “the fish rots from the head”.

In a statement released late Monday, Mr Lander said he had now cleared hurdles placed before him and planned to release the final Oakden report on or before February 28.

If he keeps to that timeline, his final report would be released just 2½ weeks before polling day.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander in Parliament. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

Mr Lander said three ­people “with an interest in my investigation” had challenged his authority to name them in his final report.

“During that investigation three persons with an interest in my investigation made submissions to the effect that I was not empowered to prepare and publish a report that might identify a person without that person’s consent,” Mr Lander said.

He said that agreeing to their claim would have made his final report incoherent, and he instead invited them to challenge his authority in the Supreme Court.

Mr Lander said they had backed down, and he now planned to go ahead and release his full findings.

That will include a description of the events surrounding the attempt to suppress names.

“I have concluded that I am empowered to prepare and publish a report that would name a person and that I am not obliged to obtain the person’s consent before doing so,” Mr Lander said in the statement.

“This matter has necessarily resulted in a delay in bringing the investigation to an end. While this has been a distraction, those persons were en­titled to make submissions and it was appropriate the matter be determined.

“Having determined the matter, I will now proceed with my investigation.

“The collection of evidence is complete. All interested ­parties have been given the opportunity to make submissions and have done so. I am now writing my final report.”

Mr Lander has previously investigated the Government’s handling of the controversial Gillman land deal, and found maladministration by two public servants.

He found no maladministration on the part of ministers, but heard evidence that Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis was regularly abusive and intimidating towards public servants.

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