SUPPORT FOR AGED CARE ROYAL COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE

NEWMARCH HOUSE

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said Labor has called for the Aged Care Royal Commission to investigate what has gone wrong at Newmarch House.

Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, Julie Collins, announced the call today, saying that a deeper investigation into what happened at the facility was warranted. 

“As the tragedy of the 15th death at Penrith’s Newmarch aged care home shocks us all, I’ve been speaking with constituents whose family members live there, and they are understandably anxious and angry,” Ms Templeman said.

“I share the pain of loss of the families and friends whose loved ones have died and the ongoing fears of everyone associated with the centre.

“Clearly something is not working and needs to be urgently identified and addressed, and the Royal Commission is an appropriate way for a proper inquiry to get the bottom of what has happened.

“I’ve appreciated the Minister for Aged Care’s frankness and detail in discussing the situation, and have stressed to him how difficult it is for families of residents and staff, who deserve to see absolutely everything done to protect lives.

“Their priority is to have family members moved somewhere safe.

 “The residents of Newmarch House and their loved ones, and the staff at the facility, deserve answers about what has gone wrong.

“While the Royal Commission is rightly looking at aged care and COVID-19 more generally, a deeper investigation into what h