Health Minister urges federal government to stop Tarcoola closure

Yvette D’Ath has called on the Federal Government to halt the council’s controversial closure of the aged care facility and protect vulnerable residents who are set to be displaced and moved from their hometown and loved ones.

HELP NEEDED: Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath has called on the federal government to stop the council forced closure of Tarcoola to protect vulnerable nursing home residents. Pic: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Calls for the Federal Government to intervene and prevent the controversial closure of the Tarcoola aged care facility in Tara have amped up, with Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath calling for action.

STAFF NEEDED: Tara's Tarcoola Aged Care Facility forced to close. Pic: Supplied

During a confidential discussion at an ordinary meeting in Chinchilla on July 21, the Western Downs Regional Council voted to close Tara’s only aged care facility based on “legal and clinical advice.”

Ms D’Ath said the planned closure was “deeply concerning” and she was awaiting a response from Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck.

“I’ve asked the Aged Care Minister to urgently step in given the council have made the decision to close the facility, to guarantee the safety of the residents and assure their families that disruptions will be avoided,” she said.

WDRC MAYOR: Mayor Paul McVeigh said the council did everything it could to attract and retain quality health services staff at Tarcoola. Pic: AAP Dan Peled

Ms D’Ath said with the closure would leave very few options for residents to be rehomed.

“While Queensland Health’s hospitals will support residents where we are able to do so, I do not believe that this option is in the best interest of the residents,” she said.

“I do not want to see another Earle Haven situation happening here in Queensland, and I do not want to see the ongoing safety of the residents of Tarcoola at risk.”

As the owner and operator of the facility, the council said the closure had been spurred on by a major staff shortage.

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said the facility had had an unacceptable level of clinical staff for an extended period of time.

“(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,” he said.

DISAPPOINTED: Maranoa MP David Littleproud responded to the closure of the Tarcoola Aged Care facility in Tara. Picture: Contributed/Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the council declined several solutions given to them by the Federal Government to keep the Tarcoola Aged Care Facility running.

“The Department of Health has advised a staffing solution was offered to council and available to commence as early as this week, however WDRC chose not to pursue this option,” he said.

“Council were also encouraged to contact the Department if the costs of these resources were prohibitive, so that additional support could be considered.”

Mr Littleproud said he was deeply disappointed by the council’s decision.

“It is important that all constituents are heard no matter where they live,” he said.

“I strongly encourage the Western Downs Regional Council to be more transparent with the Tara community on how decisions are made within Council - particularly when they affect a community’s most vulnerable.”