Premier: Assaults at Bramble House, Eventide when there were two victims and then there were seven.

This email was written to the Department of Health and Ageing and to the Crime and Misconduct Commission way back in September 2007. The distress of some Bramble House staff is clear regarding this case. The seven eventual victims of this predator had the right to live in a safe environment. The human rights of these female victims - not to be sexually abused - far outweighed the rights of this man to privacy and confidentiality.

Premier
Who was the Nursing Unit Manager in charge?
Who gave the direction not to inform the families?
Who directed staff that the Queensland Police Service was not to be informed?

But it is the Whistleblower that Queensland Health has dismissed and discredited.

Damning evidence still to be posted regarding this case and others Premier. Watch this space.


Premier
This request for an investigation was made by an advocacy group on the 26 September 2007, when there were two female victims. The document clearly states that without evidence, this Detective's hands were tied. The informant who was to come forward, reneged. By the time copies of the the notes were passed on to the Whistleblower, the number of female victims had grown to seven. Three people presented at the Crime and Misconduct Commission on the 9 October 2007 to give evidence. The advocacy group coordinator, the Whistleblower and her lawyer. The Whistleblower gained Whistleblower Protection. The Whistleblower received the copied notes on the 31 December 2007. Months later in late March 2008 the media was contacted.

Premier: Proof of rostering rorting at Eventide, Brighton.

Premier

SING has received the following information regarding roster rorting at Eventide, Brighton:

If you were friendly with Workforce you got more shifts. If you weren't you didn't.

If you said no to an extra shift you got no more work.

One former Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) ensured when she worked in Workforce her casuals were looked after when it came to extra shifts. She would make sure they got extra shifts in preference to any other casuals.

I never got an extra shift when that former NUM was in Workforce. I only got extra shifts when she was absent or not in Workforce.

A permanent who had put in an availability form would be offered a shortage in preference to a casual or temporary. If no permanent, casual or temporary staff were available for a certain shift, you would then ring people who you knew wanted to work and offer the shift to them. However, sometimes when you rang the NUM to offer a shift the NUM would nominate staff who were in favour. For example, one former NUM would always nominate a particular person for a night shift. (Even if this person was meant to work in the morning. They would then also get paid fatigue leave for the morning shift).

That same NUM would not give a particular casual extra shifts because she didn't like her.

I have seen full time staff get overtime when casuals(and part-time staff) haven't got all their hours.

One full time male assistant in nursing was openly given overtime when part timers had applied for extra shifts. He was a favourite with the Workforce NUM and openly bragged about how much overtime he was earning.

We were never told of any rule that permanent part timers could only have one extra shift per fortnight. I was a part-time worker and would often work 10 shifts per fortnight. I would imagine that if such a rule were actually in existence, that workforce itself would adhere to the rule.

If permanents were denied an extra shift, no reason was given and you didn't question why. If you did you might never get another shift yourself. Eventide was the sort of place where you didn't question things.

I understand that favouritism is still happening e.g. two weeks ago a casual worker was given overtime when a permanent part timer was entitled to that overtime. It wasn't a case of the permanent part timer being out of favour., but the casual being friends with the staff in Workforce.

More documented evidence to be posted

Premier: To what lengths must one go?

From a distressed and disillusioned protected Whistleblower.

Premier,
To what lengths must one go to be acknowledged by any Queensland Health entity, whether it be the Ethical Standards Unit, the Internal Witness Support Unit, or the District Chief Executive Officer?

Word travelling far and wide tells tales of a support group named SING. I will have more action by putting my story on the world wide web.

Many taxpayers dollars have been spent to print a flyer DON'T IGNORE IT, REPORT IT. What a joke! If there were any truth in it, a representative from one of these entities should have contacted me weeks ago. Is it that hard to return an email or pick up the phone?

Frail, elderly residents ABUSED. The abusive nurse remains on Eventide campus. DOES ANYONE GIVE A DAMN!

I informed the Nursing Unit Manager of Ebbtide House, Eventide, Brighton that residents in her house were being abused. She stated that I had interpersonal communication problems, sort it out yourself and my concerns were of a RACIST complaint. Funny I have never considered myself a RACIST as I have a CHINESE Father and an ABORIGINAL Daughter. I have taken extreme exception to this statement.

The Director of Nursing (DON) thanked me for bringing these matters to her attention at a meeting held at Eventide on the 24th October 2008. The DON then proceeded to make up vicious lies about me when I went to the Crime and Misconduct Commission with my concerns. The DON refuses to give me any information in writing and orders Workforce to give me no more work.

SO DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ANGRY AND PISSED OFF? YES!
IS IT SOME ONE'S JOB TO INVESTIGATE EVENTIDE MANAGEMENT? YES!

So uphold your promises. DON'T IGNORE IT, REPORT IT.
and investigate my claims of REPRISAL and VICTIMISATION.

I have upheld my obligation under the act to protect our frail, elderly residents.
Where is your obligation to uphold my rights to NATURAL JUSTICE?

Premier: SING SUPPORT GROUP began to help support staff and family members too afraid of reprisal to speak out , but speak out they have.

Premier
SING's evidence from staff and family members increases every day:

DOCUMENTED PROOF OF ROSTERING RORTING AT EVENTIDE.
(Statements to be posted shortly).

DOCUMENTED PROOF OF CASES WHERE QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE WERE NOT CONTACTED WHEN SERIOUS ASSAULT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT QUEENSLAND HEALTH REBUFFED AN EMPLOYEE SEEKING WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.

DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE THAT EVENTIDE MANAGEMENT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING ON THE 25 SEPTEMBER 2008 THAT SERIOUS ABUSE HAD BEEN REPORTED TAKING PLACE IN EBBTIDE HOUSE ON NIGHT SHIFT. THE WHISTLEBLOWER WAS INTERVIEWED BY EVENTIDE MANAGEMENT SHORTLY AFTER THIS DATE. THIS INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE AFTER HER NIGHT SHIFT AND SHE WAS NOT PERMITTED A SUPPORT PERSON. SHE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ACCUSED OF RACISM AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT THIS WHISTLEBLOWER WAS FORCED TO OBTAIN PROTECTED WHISTLEBLOWER STATUS FROM THE CRIME AND MISCONDUCT COMMISSION.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT THE CRIME AND MISCONDUCT COMMISSION, AFTER MANY MONTHS OF DELAY, HAVE PASSED THE MATTER BACK TO THE ETHICAL STANDARDS UNIT. THE WHISTLEBLOWER HAS STILL NOT BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE ESU.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT A PRIVATE COMPANY CONTRACTED TO GATHER EVIDENCE AGAINST A WHISTLEBLOWER, ONLY EVER INTERVIEWED EVENTIDE MANAGEMENT.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT EMPLOYEES, EX-EMPLOYEES AND FAMILY MEMBERS CONTACT SING - NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND - SUCH IS THE MISTRUST IN ALL REPORTING SYSTEMS.

DOCUMENTED PROOF THAT A SERIOUS HOIST INCIDENT WAS NEVER ELECTRONICALLY REPORTED.

DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE THAT IN SEPTEMBER 2004, A QUEENSLAND HEALTH DISTRICT MANAGER WAS INFORMED BY A FAMILY MEMBER, THAT TWO STAFF WERE ABUSING HER MOTHER. THE DISTRICT MANAGER DISREGARDED THIS EVIDENCE.

Premier,
These documents, photographs, tape recordings and other evidence are only the tip of the iceberg. What does your Government intend to do to rebuild confidence in this corrupt, failing health system? A good start would be to listen to your credible Whistleblowers rather than lynching them. A good start would be to commend them rather than condemn them. A good start would be to vindicate them rather than vilifying them. A good start would be to protect the Whistleblowers rather than the abusers.

Many good, credible, decent employees have left Queensland Health. They have been hurt, distressed , disappointed, disillusioned and demoralised. The Queensland Health staff remaining inform SING that they are afraid to speak out as they need their jobs. They are afraid to report as they need their jobs. They are afraid that reprisal will be committed against them.

They have not, however, been too afraid to covertly contact SING.

More evidence will be reported to your Government - through SING - until credible Whistleblowers voices are heard. And they will be heard Premier!
Credible, decent staff should not have to worry about jeopardising their employment for speaking out.

Premier Bligh and Minister Robertson! Why has it taken so long for your Ethical Standards Unit to receive a report regarding these serious matters?

These matters were reported to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) on the 9 October 2007. Typically, these serious matters were referred back to Queensland Health's Ethical Standards Unit for investigation. Typically, this investigation was passed to a private group for investigation at taxpayers' expense. This letter is dated 19 December 2007.
How long does it take? Surely Premier there is a time limit on these investigations? Surely this matter has become a debacle?
The general public need to know that the Bramble House, Eventide case was reported to authorities when there were two victims. The number subsequently became seven. The general public have a right to know the outcome of this investigation as they are the people paying for it.

The general public also have a right to know why James Jenner's death was not reported to Queensland Police Service for three days after his death. It was his Mother who finally reported his death.

The general public have a right to know why Mrs Jenner was under surveillance when ever she visited her son. They have a right to know who directed this surveillance.

SING SUPPORT GROUP are requesting answers to these questions which are in the public interest.

Queensland Health have recently distributed a brochure to all staff: Don't ignore it, report it. Queensland Health should have added to this brochure: But, be prepared to wait months or even years for an outcome.

Premier: Why has this Deed Of Settlement never been honoured by Queesland Health?

In October 2006, a Deed of Settlement and Release was signed. The Whistleblower did not receive an apology or exoneration from Queensland Health. In exchange for exoneration and an apology, these clauses were to be implemented. The clauses in this Deed have never been honoured by Queensland Health.



This matter was to be heard in a three day trial in the Brisbane Magistrate's Court.
Queensland Health settled this matter before it went to court. Some clauses in this Deed Of Settlement have never been honoured by Queensland Health, therefore the Deed is null and void. Some clauses were included in lieu of an apology to the Whistleblower and a media release. It is now over two years since the Deed of Settlement took place in November 2006.


Proof is available that the District Manager was made aware of the abuse in September 2004. This information came directly from a relative of one of the victims. This victim was never interviewed by Police.


Proof is also available that in May 2004, a meeting was arranged at Eventide, Brighton. Prior to this meeting, an organiser from the the Queensland Nurses' Union of Employees (QNU) tried to force the Whistleblower to remove four paragraphs from her statement. The Whistleblower refused and was informed by the organiser that: "It would be on your head". The two abusive staff members were permitted to support each other at this meeting. The Whistleblower then sought independent legal advice. The legal advice was that the (QNU) Organiser's information was incorrect. It was later revealed that the Queensland Police Service Detective investigating this case was astounded that the two abusers were permitted to support each other at this meeting.


Premier: Nothing has changed after all these years! Queensland Health still DELAY, DENY, DISCREDIT, DECEIVE AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS: DESTROY

Copy of the relevant clauses from the Deed of Settlement and a statement to the Secretary of the Queensland Nurses' Union of Employees to be posted shortly.

Premier: Queensland Health breaches its responsibilities once again under the Aged Care Act 1997

Premier,
The Department of Health and Ageing have found that Eventide Nursing Home, Brighton, Queensland have committed the following breaches:

The approved provider has breached its responsibilities in relation to record keeping by not ensuring individual care plans for care recipients are accurate and reflect current care needs.

Under 88-2(1) of The Act it is the responsibility of the approved provider to keep records of the kind and in the form specified in the Records Principles.

Under the Records Principles 1997 Section 19.5(b), an approved provider must keep records of individual care plans for care recipients.

This 86 year old female resident fell from a toilet seat and sustained skin tears and massive bruising to her back.

Two days later another female resident aged 93 was found unconscious when she was left hanging in a hoist. NO INCIDENT FORM WAS EVER WRITTEN. Both these incidents took place in the same house and involved the same staff member.

Why is it, Premier that it is the Whistleblowers who report such serious incidents who suffer reprisal, bullying and threats - while the perpetrators are shifted from facility to facility or parish to parish, like paedophile priests?

Why is it Premier, that it is the Whistleblowers who have their rosters manipulated, therefore losing income, who have their casual shifts ceased, therefore receiving NO income, who have their credibility sullied by belated allegations of poor work practices, interpersonal communication problems or claims of racism?

Why is it the Whistleblowers who are surveilled and supervised at the covert request of unscrupulous management, who, rather than deal with the problem - find it so much easier to SHOOT THE MESSENGER?

Why is it Premier, that it is the Whistleblowers who receive the threatening letters from your various departments or private companies - paid for by the taxpayer?

District Chief Executive Officer: DO YOUR BEST.

This email was sent to the Metro North Health Service District's Chief Executive Officer on the 18 February 2009.
Question:
What does Queensland Health do to their credible Whistleblowers when intimidation, bullying and threats are not successful?
Answer:
They threaten Whistleblowers with termination of their employment.
They threaten them with criminal offence charges.
They threaten them with penalty units.
The same type of threats that were used to intimidate nurses at Bundaberg Hospital when a Whistleblower blew the whistle in 2005.

Rob Messenger's speech to Parliament on the 10 February 2009

Premier: Why are you allowing Queensland Health Whistleblowers to be threatened with termination of employment for speaking the truth?

Premier
A credible Whistleblower and SING SUPPORT GROUP member has just received a 5 page letter, threatening her with termination of employment.
Are all Whistleblowers to receive such threatening letters?
Are the Whistleblowers in Bundaberg to receive such letters?
Are the Whistleblowers of Yaralla Place, Maryborough to receive such letters?
Is the latest brochure sent to Queensland Health staff: (Don't ignore it, report it.) just a piece of Queensland Health propaganda?
Report it to whom Premier? The reporting system within Queensland Health is a disgrace. Many credible Whistleblowers exhausted all avenues before taking the step of contacting the media or politicians.

In June/July 2007, a staff member contacted an advocacy group requesting help to disclose the abuse, by a male resident, of two female residents in Bramble House, Eventide. This staff member was to speak out then, but through fear of reprisal against her, she decided against disclosure. By the time copied notes were covertly, hand delivered to the Whistleblower's home, the number of victims had increased to at least seven female residents.
The Whistleblower exhausted all avenues - even contacted the Department of Health and Ageing's Complaints Investigation Scheme. The Whistleblower, her lawyer and the advocacy group founder, presented evidence regarding this case and others, to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) in early October 2007. The matter was referred back to Queensland Health by the CMC. Queensland Health referred the matter to a private group - Corporate Success Group. The Whistleblower is informed that the investigation has still not been concluded.

The advocacy group then contacted the media and the Whistleblower was interviewed.


Bottom segment to be viewed first.

BOTH THESE SEGMENTS OF NETWORK TEN FOOTAGE WERE SUPPLIED TO SING SUPPORT GROUP BY EMAIL ON THE 13 JANUARY 2009 - COMPLIMENTS OF QUEENSLAND HEALTH. SING IS VERY GRATEFUL TO QUEENSLAND HEALTH FOR COPIES OF THIS FOOTAGE.

Premier: Why did Queensland Health rebuff this offer from a Whistleblower?

The Whistleblower was willing to speak out about sexual, psychological and physical abuse and assault she witnessed at Ebbtide House, Eventide.

She was advised by SING to acquire Whistleblower protection before disclosure. She was rebuffed by Queensland Health and took her matter to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) on the 31 October 2008. She presented with members of SING SUPPORT GROUP and obtained Whistleblower protection. She was assured by the CMC that meetings would take place. She has has two meetings cancelled by the CMC, and was recently informed that her matter has been referred back to Queensland Health.

This credible, Whistleblower has received no work from Eventide, Brighton since making her complaint to Eventide management.

She has been a casual employee for Queensland Health for some years. She had an unblemished performance record until her disclosure to Eventide management. Indeed, she was given a temporary contract because of the good feedback given by staff witnessing her work practice. Since her disclosure, she has been accused of racism, poor work performance,interpersonal communication deficits and aggressive behaviour etc. She has repeatedly requested the written documentation of the allegations against her. Eventide management have not fulfilled this request.

Her full story will follow shortly.

Premier Bligh: Why does Queensland Health condemn its credible Whistleblowers, when other organsiations commend them?

Premier,
Credible aged care Whistleblowers are treated very badly when they fulfill their obligation and report wrongdoing. Why is this Premier? SING has members who have had their employment jeapordised, have had their integrity questioned, have been accused of poor work performance, have had their career paths ruined, have been accused of racism, have been isolated and ostracised by ill-informed and ignorant colleagues and much more.
If Whistleblowers' self-esteem solely relied on the opinion of Queensland Health hierarchy, they would never survive. But survive they do, Premier, regardless of the condemnation and vilification inflicted upon them by the institution that is Queensland Health.

Premier Bligh: What is going on with Eventide Nursing Home's rostering system?

THE CHOSEN FEW.

The CHOSEN FEW receive all penalty days.
The CHOSEN FEW receive no penalty days.
The CHOSEN FEW have set days off.
The CHOSEN FEW receive whatever they like.

This all depends on what the CHOSEN FEW require. Some may want to work weekends - some may not.

And the rest of us - NOT THE CHOSEN FEW - can go to hell. The staff who do not belong to this prestigious and privileged group, are often told Premier, that Queensland Health have a Family Friendly roster.

The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) was informed of rostering anomalies at Eventide on the 9 October 2007, by Whistleblowers and a lawyer. The complaint was just one of seven made at this time. The CMC directed Queensland Health to investigate complaints 1-5.
Complaint 4: Eventide's roster system is used to punish people. This matter was passed on by Queensland Health to a private group to investigate. Corporate Success Group appointed an investigator to gather the relevant information. He was inexplicably removed, but not before he had gathered many hours of evidence and rosters. Another was duly appointed in his place; all at the taxpayers expense. The complainants are still waiting on the outcome of this serious investigation.

EVENTIDE'S ROSTERING SYSTEM IS ALSO USED TO REWARD PEOPLE.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHOSEN FEW?

YOU MAKE SURE THAT YOU TOE THE PARTY LINE.
YOU NEVER ROCK THE BOAT.
YOU FOLLOW UNREASONABLE DIRECTIONS WITHOUT COMPLAINT.
YOU NEVER REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT OR ASSAULT - NO MATTER HOW SERIOUS
AND YOU NEVER, EVER QUESTION MANAGEMENT. YOU WILL GAIN MORE IF YOU KEEP MANAGEMENT UPDATED.

THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL YOU BECOME ONE OF THE CHOSEN FEW AND THE PAY OFF IS TERRIFIC.


In the meantime Premier, the rostering corruption is still taking place at Eventide.

MORE EVIDENCE TO FOLLOW.

Premier Bligh: Why does the Crime and Misconduct Commission continually refer serious cases back to Queensland Health's Ethical Standards Unit?

This is just one complaint made by a Whistleblower. This serious complaint of sexual, psychological and physical abuse of residents at Ebbtide House, Eventide was reported by a member of SING (Silence Is NOT Golden) SUPPORT GROUP to many different entities over a period of months. One resident named in this complaint was a victim of a previous sexual abuse case. This case was reported by Network Ten in March 2008 regarding Bramble House, Eventide, Brighton.

The Whistleblower is a casual employee and has been employed by Queensland Health for some years. She has never had a complaint made against her until this disclosure.

The Whistleblower reported the matter to the Nursing Unit Manager, Ebbtide House, Eventide.

The Whistleblower reported the matter to the Director of Nursing, Eventide, Brighton.

The Whistleblower reported the matter to Queensland Health.

The Whistleblower reported the matter (through SING) to the Department of Health and Ageing.

The Whistleblower was rebuffed by the Ethical Standards Unit and the Internal Witness Support Unit when she sought Whistleblower protection. She then sought Whistleblower protection by presenting at the Crime and Misconduct Commission's headquarters.

The Whistleblower reported the matter to the Crime and Misconduct Commission.

After fulfilling her obligations to the frail, older residents in her care the following has resulted:

The Whistleblower has received no work from Eventide since her disclosure.

The Whistleblower has been informed by Eventide management (after her disclosure) that she has had complaints made against her for her poor work performance and that other nurses had complained that the Whistleblower had a negative and angry attitude toward them. Repeated requests by the Whistleblower for copies of these written allegations have never been produced by Eventide management.

The Whistleblower was accused of having poor interpersonal communication abilities and that she was a racist.

The Whistleblower has had two arranged appointments cancelled by the Crime and Misconduct Commission. The Crime and Misconduct Commission had directed Eventide management to attend.

The Whistleblower was informed in a phone conversation with the Crime and Misconduct Commission in early December 2008 that "victimisation" had been committed against her.

All evidence is available including tape recorded evidence that the Department of Health and Ageing informed the Director of Nursing, Eventide, Brighton on the 25 September 2008, that serious abuse had been reported to them.

Evidence is available that other staff had complained to Eventide management prior to the Whistleblower's disclosure. One complaint to management about the behaviour of this staff member goes back to 2000.

Evidence is also available that two scheduled meetings with the Crime and Misconduct Commission have been cancelled. The Whistleblower was assured that the last meeing scheduled was only being postponed. This assurance was rescinded recently when the Whistleblower was informed that Queensland Health will be investigating the matter. This is common practice for the Crime and Misconduct Commission.

PREMIER, PLEASE BE ADVISED:
THE CRIME AND MISCONDUCT COMMISSION HAVE NOW REFERRED THE MATTER BACK TO QUEENSLAND HEALTH. AND THIS IS WHY PREMIER, THIS CORRUPT, DYSFUNCTIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM IS HELD IN SUCH DISDAIN BY MANY QUEENSLAND HEALTH EMPLOYEES.

The Whistleblower has been informed by the Crime and Misconduct Commission that she will be contacted "in due course". If this matter takes as long to investigate as other cases handled by Queensland Health, the Whistleblower will be in a nursing home herself before she is contacted.

PREMIER! WHY IS IT THE WHISTLEBLOWER WHO NOW RECEIVES NO WORK AT EVENTIDE?

PREMIER! WHY IS IT THE WHISTLEBLOWER WHO IS PERSECUTED WHEN THEY REPORT ASSAULT, NEGLECT AND ABUSE AS PER THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE AGED CARE ACT?

PREMIER! WHY DID QUEENSLAND HEALTH SEND OUT THE "DON'T IGNORE IT, REPORT IT" PROPAGANDA BROCHURE TO ALL STAFF, WHEN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROY AND DISCREDIT ANY EMPLOYEE WHO DOES SO?

MORE QUESTIONS TO FOLLOW

Minister Robertson: Why is your Director-General swearing at a genuine Whistlebower? Other Queensland Health employees have been disciplined for less.

Minister Robertson: Why are you allowing the mistreatment of a genuine Whistleblower in Bundaberg?

Why are you allowing one of your Chief Executive Officer's to threaten another Whistleblower with disciplinary action or the threat of criminal charges, because she disclosed to the media serious sexual abuse of female residents at Eventide, Brighton. She will not hand over damning evidence in her possession as she has no faith in Queensland Health's reporting system.


Why was a recent Whistleblower rebuffed by the Ethical Standards Unit and the Internal Witness Support Unit, when she sought to produce evidence of serious allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse of residents by a staff member at Ebbtide House Eventide, Brighton? She has received no work at Eventide since. One of these victims had previously been a victim of the Bramble House predator reported by Network Ten in March 2008.
Why did this Whistleblower then have to seek protection from the Crime and Misconduct Commission?

Why has the Crime and Misconduct Commission referred this serious matter back to the Ethical Standards Unit? The very unit that rebuffed the Whistleblower in the first instance.

Queensland Health Whistleblowers would like an answer to these questions, but Whistleblowers know that the only answers they often receive is either a threatening letter or absolutely no answer at all.

MINISTER ROBERTSON: WHISTLEBLOWERS ARE FIGHTING BACK. Just as the Premier Ms Bligh has the right to "ask questions" and the right to "freedom of speech" and the right to complain about Mr Palmer "issuing legal threats to silence critics" (THE SUNDAY MAIL 1 February 2009 by Darrell Giles, Political Editor. Million-dollar rift); so too do genuine Whistleblowers.

Minister Robertson: Why can't I have the Corporate Success Group's finalised report? Is it too damning?

A private company was engaged by Queensland Health, at the taxpayers' expense, to investigate five serious matters brought to the attention of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) in early October 2007. One of those matters was the Bramble House, Eventide sexual abuse case reported in the media by Network Ten in March 2008. Another involved the case of James Jenner (deceased) of Cooinda House, Kippa - Ring. Another was that the roster was used to punish staff not in favour at Eventide, Brighton. A few months later, another private company, LKA Group, was engaged by Queensland Health, at the taxpayers' expense, to investigate the Whistleblower for her disclosure to the media. This was after a complaint to the CMC against the Whistleblower. The Whistleblower has finally received a copy of the report which was enacted against her, but she has been refused a copy of the final report of the other investigation. The Whistleblower has been informed that she is required to "show cause", but she has been informed that she is not able to access the Corporate Success Group's report. This report is vital for her defence. Perhaps that is why it will not be made available to her!

Minister Robertson: The original investigation (the first investigator was inexplicably removed - perhaps he got too close to the truth ) - cost the Whistleblower thousands of dollars to have a lawyer and her associate present. After many hours(at least 18 hours) of recorded evidence, the Whistleblower is not entitled to view this report. Other staff were also interviewed - some of course were not - and the feedback to the Whistleblower is that many claims, particularly of rostering anomalies, were proven. It was also reported that the James Jenner case has a separate and credible Whistleblower who witnessed the late night, clandestine doctoring of his file. Queensland Health were given this information way back at a meeting held with their lawyers in September 2008. This meeting was held for the Whistleblower to face disciplinary action over her wearing a badge.

Another question Minister Robertson: How much taxpayers' money has been spent on these private investigations? More documents to follow.

Minister Robertson: Queensland Health breaches its responsibilities to our frail, older and disabled citizens once again!

The Department of Health and Ageing found Queensland Health breached its responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997, when a 97 year old mental health patient was assaulted at least twice at Eventide, Brighton.


The details of the breach are:

The service failed to put in place, within 24 hours of the start of the incident/suspicion of physical assault, arrangements for management of the resident's behaviour.

Consequently, the service could not use discretion not to report and therefore should have reported these incidents to the Department and Police in accordance with Section 63-1AA(2) of the Aged Care Act 1997.

A Whistleblower was informed that the aggressive male resident was removed from the unit and housed in Ebbtide House, Eventide. The Whistleblower is informed that this male resident then proceeded to assault at least three other residents.

Other breaches of care will be posted soon.

Queensland Health rejected this Nurse's application for a futher 6 hours of work at Eventide, Brighton. You be the judge!

The Whistleblower applied through an Expression of Interest for an extra 6 hours per week of employment. This would increase her hours to permanent full-time status. The Whistleblower has been contracted to work four shifts per week for many years. She was informed after many months that she had failed the interview. In other words - she was fit to work four shifts per week - but not five. At the time the Whistleblower was studying a Bachelor of Arts degree at QUT. Please be advised of the following:

The Whistleblower was informed that due her hard work at University and her Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.4, she most certainly could study Law. Strange that the Whistleblower was not fit to work 6 extra hours at Eventide, Brighton according to Queensland Health.

The Whistleblower was informed at a feedback interview that she failed in the communication area of the interview. Strange that the Whistleblower received a distinction in "Interpersonal Communication".The Whistleblower was informed that none of her references were considered, no academic history was considered, no referees were contacted.

You be the judge! Is this reprisal? Is this discrimination? The Whistleblower intends to find out.

Investigations are taking place or have taken place at Eventide, Brighton.

Another Whistleblower (casual) has recently been treated in a similar way. She has an outstanding CV - she is reliable, she is passionate about the rights of the older and disabled residents in her care. Strange how she has never received work at Eventide, Brighton since she reported sexual, physical and psychological abuse, she witnessed. You be the judge!