Police investigate nursing home assaults

Brisbane Water Police duty officer Mr Bruce Coates has confirmed police are still continuing with investigations following two allegations of sexual assault at the Peninsula Village retirement centre in Umina.

Mr Coates said police were expected to have an outcome to the investigations sometime next week.

The first incident is alleged to have occurred more than five weeks ago, while the second incident more than two weeks ago.

The two allegations follow a Federal Government announcement by Minister for Ageing Ms Justine Elliot that police checks would be made compulsory to all nursing home staff as early as January next year.

"This is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our society - the frail and aged," Ms Elliot said.

"The Australian Government is committed to ensuring older Australians in nursing homes and hostels receive quality care in a safe and secure environment."

Peninsula Village chief executive officer Ms Terri Parker said the allegations were "deeply concerning" to all staff and management of the organisation.

"For more than 30 years Peninsula Village has provided the best care possible for its residents," Ms Parker said.

"As a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation, care is our number one priority.

"Unfortunately, an allegation was made against a staff member working in the nursing home. "The complaint was reported to the Department of Health and Ageing and to the police for investigation.

"The allegation was deeply concerning to the staff, management and the honorary directors of our organisation which has only two reasons for being, namely the care and welfare of our residents."

Ms Parker said the village took appropriate action at the earliest time in line with its own policy and the Department of Health and Ageing guidelines.

"During our own investigation an earlier incident was reported and again, Peninsula Village immediately advised the Department of Health and Ageing and the police," Ms Parker said.

"A manager has been suspended, pending completion of an internal enquiry.

"The two staff members involved have had their employment terminated to ensure there is no further risk to our residents and the allegations against them are under police investigation.

"Peninsula Village does not want to prejudice those investigations by making further comment.

"This is the first time in our history allegations of this nature have been made.

"Peninsula Village will be cooperating with the Department of Health and Ageing and Police and will continue to liaise with the families involved."

Clare Graham, 23 Oct 2008 Interviewee: Bruce Coates, Brisbane Water Police Press release, 21 Oct 2008 Justine Elliot, Minister for Ageing Press release, 21 Oct 2008 Terri Parker, Peninsula Village