Administrator changes locks as VCAT rejects operator’s bid to stay open
A Supported Residential Service, a type of residential facility operated by private providers that exists only in Victoria, has had its bid to defer closure rejected.
On 12 March 2026, Victoria’s Social Services Regulator (SSR) announced it had appointed Ernst & Young as administrator of the 40-bed Greenslopes Supported Residential Service (SRS), in Templestowe Lower, 14km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
The appointment commenced on 5 March 2026 and follows the SSR’s decision on 8 December 2025 to revoke the registration of Greenslopes, which is operated by Sohal & Company Pty Ltd. The SSR said the decision was aimed at protecting “residents from significant risk of harm due to the provider’s failure to meet its compliance obligations”.
Greenslopes was required to close by 5 February 2026, giving residents enough time to find a new home.
In January 2026, Sohal & Company Pty Ltd sought a deferral of the decision in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. At that time, it had not found homes for up to 13 residents.
However, VCAT dismissed the bid, with VCAT Member Cassandra Tanner saying in making the decision she had the benefit of more than 2,000 pages of material.
VCAT’s decision refers to residents being repeatedly tied to chairs, sleeping on soiled mattresses, suffering open wounds that became infected, and living in unhygienic, filthy conditions.
In one instance, a resident was confined to her room for six weeks to manage the risks posed by another resident who was said to be abusive and threatening.
History of non-compliance
Greenslopes SRS was issued compliance notices in July 2022 and November 2023 over issues including cleaning and maintenance concerns, incomplete medication records, and non-compliance with criminal history check requirements. In April 2024, it was again issued compliance notices, this time over non-compliant rosters and “maintenance, odour and rubbish issues”.
The SSR conducted a series of inspections from June 2025, eventually leading to the home’s registration being revoked.
Locks changed
Administrators Ernst & Young reportedly changed the locks at Greenslopes after Sohal & Company directors, who lived on site, refused to move out.
A statement from the Victorian Government said: “As not all residents have relocated, the administrator will ensure that services can continue for remaining residents at the facility while relocation arrangements are put in place.
“The SSR’s decision to revoke the registration of Greenslopes SRS is among the most serious actions available to the SSR and was considered necessary to protect residents from significant risk of harm due to the provider’s failure to meet standards.
“The SSR will continue to liaise with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Homes Victoria, The Salvation Army, NDIA, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Commonwealth Department of Health Disability and Ageing to support positive outcomes for the remaining residents.”
Greenslopes’ director Preet Kaur said she would appeal the VCAT decision.
What is a SRS and how is it regulated?
SRSs are privately operated residential facilities that provide accommodation, meals, and support services to people needing assistance with daily living, including older people and those with disabilities or mental health conditions, such as dementia.
They only operate in Victoria, and are regulated by the Victorian Government. They differ from aged care homes in that they do not require an aged care assessment.
The regulator of SRSs, the SSR, was established in July 2024, replacing the Human Services Regulator with the aim of “streamlining and simplifying the regulation of social services and reducing red tape”, according to the Victorian Government’s website.
