The Not For Profit has vowed to defend its actions in a statement following the news that Shine Lawyers has filed a class action on behalf of 25 people over the COVID-19 deaths of 19 residents at Anglicare’s Newmarch House in Kingswood, 55km west of Sydney’s CBD.

A spokesperson for Anglicare Sydney confirmed in a statement that the organisation had received notice of a class action relating to the deaths at the aged care facility which took place during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020.

The compensation law firm had first touted the possibility of a class action over the outbreak and its handling by Anglicare and NSW Health in July 2020 – almost three years ago. Class actions require seven people to proceed.

“While we do not intend to comment publicly as this is now before the Courts, we will be defending ourselves when these claims reach a hearing,” said the spokesperson.

“We would hope that when that time comes, the NSW Coroner will have handed down the findings into the cause of the outbreak and the cause of the passing of 19 people in our care.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families, friends and loved ones of those residents, but also with our staff who showed great compassion and service during a very difficult period.

“Much has changed since the start of the pandemic and across the world there has been significant learning about the disease and its management. We are continuing our learning and are committed to remaining vigilant in looking after those in our care.”

The NSW coroner is due to hand down its findings into the deaths in August.