Published Thursday, 13 March, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Minister calls for independent investigation into DSQ allegations in Rockhampton
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today she had initiated an independent investigation into anonymous claims made this week about the safety of clients and staff at Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) facilities in Rockhampton.
Ms Nelson-Carr said while an investigation into similar complaints had been undertaken by the department she wanted no doubt surrounding further allegations of client and staff abuse.
“I will be endeavouring to meet with at least one complainant next week to ensure they are made aware that their concerns are being taken seriously,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I want to know if there are serious matters that have not been investigated adequately.
“If the Departmental staff responsible for dealing with this situation haven’t handled the matter as well as they could have, I want to know about it.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Mr John Ford had been engaged to thoroughly investigate allegations raised this week.
“Mr. Ford is extremely experienced and well regarded and will be doing a full analysis of the claims that management of DSQ failed to properly manage a situation where one DSQ client allegedly sexually assaulted another DSQ.
“I’ve also engaged Mr Ford to look into allegations that management failed to properly deal with allegations that a DSQ staff member was allegedly sexually assaulted by a DSQ client.
“I will be issuing a direction to my Director-General to ensure all information, documents, witnesses and any other relevant information is made available to Mr Ford.
“I have full confidence in my Director-General ensuring that this will be done.
“When Mr Ford’s findings and any recommendations are available to me, I can assure the community that if corrective action is required, it will be taken promptly.”
Ms Nelson-Carr reaffirmed that she regarded the welfare of these vulnerable people as being paramount above all other things.
“I want there to be no more conjecture or doubt about this matter. As Minister I want to get to the bottom of this.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr said while an investigation into similar complaints had been undertaken by the department she wanted no doubt surrounding further allegations of client and staff abuse.
“I will be endeavouring to meet with at least one complainant next week to ensure they are made aware that their concerns are being taken seriously,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I want to know if there are serious matters that have not been investigated adequately.
“If the Departmental staff responsible for dealing with this situation haven’t handled the matter as well as they could have, I want to know about it.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Mr John Ford had been engaged to thoroughly investigate allegations raised this week.
“Mr. Ford is extremely experienced and well regarded and will be doing a full analysis of the claims that management of DSQ failed to properly manage a situation where one DSQ client allegedly sexually assaulted another DSQ.
“I’ve also engaged Mr Ford to look into allegations that management failed to properly deal with allegations that a DSQ staff member was allegedly sexually assaulted by a DSQ client.
“I will be issuing a direction to my Director-General to ensure all information, documents, witnesses and any other relevant information is made available to Mr Ford.
“I have full confidence in my Director-General ensuring that this will be done.
“When Mr Ford’s findings and any recommendations are available to me, I can assure the community that if corrective action is required, it will be taken promptly.”
Ms Nelson-Carr reaffirmed that she regarded the welfare of these vulnerable people as being paramount above all other things.
“I want there to be no more conjecture or doubt about this matter. As Minister I want to get to the bottom of this.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3235 4280