Federal government, council lock horns over Tarcoola closure

Western Downs Regional Council has denied the government’s claims it offered financial and nursing staff assistance to prevent the controversial closure of Tarcoola Aged Care, saying no such help has ever eventuated.

Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck. Pic: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Federal Government and Western Downs Regional Council are at odds over claims assistance was provided to stop the closure of Tara’s only nursing home, forcing close to 30 residents from their homes.

On July 21, the Western Downs Regional Council voted to close the aged care facility based on “legal and clinical advice,” due to a lack of qualified staff.

Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck. Pic: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck claims the Department of Health had worked with the council to ensure the “continuity of care”.

“It is understood that despite negotiations with a potential buyer, Western Downs Regional Council has made the decision to close,” Mr Colbeck said.

“This comes despite offers from the Department of Health to assist with allocating staff. This included registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nurse advisers.

“The council was also advised that if the costs of these resources were prohibitive, additional support would be considered.”

A Western Downs Regional Council spokesman said last week the Federal Department of Health attempted to assist the council in finding registered nurses.

“(Although) no additional nurses have (been) provided,” he said.

“There has not been any offer of additional financial assistance received from any other level of government.

HEARTBREAKING: The Tarcoola Aged Care Facility in Tara on the Western Downs has been forced to close because it legally can't run with the amount of staff on the roster. Pic: Supplied

“Over the past few months, WDRC tried to source registered nursing staff from 18 recruitment agencies, Queensland Health, the Federal Department of Health and other Aged Care providers as well as Seek.com, Facebook etc.”

The spokesman said it was not legally or ethically possible to operate the aged care facility without enough trained clinical staff, noting the aged care sector is a Federal Government responsibility.

“Over the past two months we have offered eight nurses positions that have initially accepted but have subsequently withdrawn to take other roles,” he said.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said all options were exhausted in attracting and hiring staff to the Tarcoola Aged Care Facility.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh. Pic: Dan Peled

“We cannot unconditionally guarantee sustained quality care through the presence of consistent and appropriately qualified clinical staff,” he said.

“(The council made) extensive efforts to attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced clinical care staff at the facility, and several attempts to gain assistance from both the State and Federal governments, clinical staffing levels remain at a critical level.”

Mr Colbeck said the health and wellbeing of residents of Tarcoola Age Care was a priority for the Morrison government.

“While the closure is a difficult blow for residents and their families, a specialised transition management consultant will work with each individual to determine the best possible outcome for their circumstances,” he said.
Tara is part of a larger picture as the aged care sector across the nation is being challenged by staff shortages.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud travelled to Tara on Tuesday and assured key members of the community that he would work with the council and the Federal Government to keep Tarcoola open.