The alleged sexual abuse of an aged care resident at the State Government run Eventide Home in Rockhampton, Queensland, went unaddressed for five years despite a colleague reporting it to management.
ABC News reported the alleged offender remained at the aged care home for years after the alleged incident despite the report being filed against him.
The government-run home terminated the alleged offender’s employment two years later after he targeted a mentally impaired resident, actions which resulted in an 18-month suspended jail term.
The alleged sexual abuse only resurfaced when the same employee who originally reported it took it to executives at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, which oversees Eventide.
The case was then reported to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in February, weeks before the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety are due to release their report.
An internal investigation will be launched to find out why the alleged sexual abuse went unaddressed for five years.
The Royal Commission has been told that up to 50 aged care residents a week suffer sexual assault nationally.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said if the allegations proved to be true then “someone definitely needs to face the courts.”
