ACT Legislative Assembly: Calls grow for Dhulwa inquiry

Calls grow for an inquiry into working conditions at Canberra’s Dhulwa Mental Health Unit following reports of nurses being injured by out of control patients.

Liberal MLA Leanne Castley has called on the ACT Government to launch an urgent inquiry into the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit following reports of regular physical violence against nurses.

The mental health unit, based in Symonson in Canberra’s south east, caters to up to 25 adult patients with complex mental health needs who have or who are likely to become involved with the criminal justice system.

After submitting her motion to the ACT Legislative Assembly Ms Castley said she had recently visited Dhulwa and was “shocked” to learn five nurses were off work due to physical violence at the facility.

“This government is failing to keep our nurses safe,” Ms Castley said.

“(Nurses) don’t feel safe at work and violence has become the norm.

“We hear there (has been) over 100 physical attacks in the last six months.”

Liberal MLA Leanne Castley calls for an urgent inquiry into the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit. Picture: Julia Kanapathipillai

Ms Castley called on Greens MLA and Minister of Justice Health and Mental Health Emma Davidson to “hop on board with the union and get an inquiry off immediately”.

“Dhulwa has only been in operation for five or so years and there has not been an inquiry yet,” she said.

“It is crystal clear the government has to take action and Ms Davidson must respond to the nurses union today.

Greens MLA Emma Davidson addressing concerns about working conditions at Dhulwa Mental Health Unit. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Ms Davidson told reporters in response to Ms Castley’s motion she would welcome members of the nurses union engaging with her to address the issue.

“I think it would be a good way for us to talk about how we can make sure nurses are listened to and understood,” she said.

She described February as being an “exceptional month” in terms of the frequency of violent altercations against nurses at Dhulwa.

“What we saw in February was quite exceptional due to some very specific circumstances, but it’s not something I would expect to see ongoing,” she said.

Australian Nursery and Midwifery federation ACT Branch Secretary Matthew Daniel calls for the ACT Government to launch an inquiry into Dhulwa

Australian Nursing and Midwifery federation ACT Branch Secretary Matthew Daniel addressed reporters outside Assembly and called for the government to launch an inquiry into the facility.

“We’re going to be on the government’s back to come up with an inquiry,” Mr Daniel said.

“Nothing less will do.

“Members have shown me details of up to 13 days in a row in February where there were multiple assaults.

“I don’t accept the government’s narrative either, this particular problem is not restricted to February.

“Our members have shown us this has been occurring for at least six months.”

When asked about the working conditions for nurses and midwives in the ACT more generally Mr Daniel said there was an appetite for industrial action.

“Our nurses and midwives are asking us when they can strike,” he said.

“They are sick of the understaffing which has occurred way before Covid-19 and they need the government to take action to alleviate the pressure.”