Protecting Older South Australians

Protecting Older
South Australians

We have been working every day to make sure the experiences of the Oakden families are never repeated.

What we said we'd do

Implement aged care reforms to prevent elder abuse.

What we've done

Just like we promised, the Marshall Liberal Government tabled legislation to better protect vulnerable South Australians within 100 days of being elected.

The Adult Safeguarding Bill established an Adult Safeguarding Unit to make it easier for the community to report suspected or actual cases of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults.

We undertook an Australia-first trial to assess the use of CCTV in aged care facilities; we’re delivering a new older persons’ mental health precinct at the Repat; and we are working diligently to implement the recommendations of the Oakden Oversight Committee and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

We also undertook an audit of all state-run aged care facilities, developed a regional aged care strategy, and expanded the Strength for Life program to support the heath of older South Australians. We also strengthened support and made it easier to access advance care planning.

And we aren't just working to prevent elder abuse. We've also invested in supporting South Australians to age well – developing a five-year strategy to guide government investment and action and providing new personal alert devices to older South Australians at risk of falls. We are also building a new 24-bed aged care facility in Strathalbyn and redeveloping Kalimna hostel to provide more and better accommodation.

Labor’s Oakden scandal exposed just how vulnerable many South Australians are.

We will continue to work every day to make sure that the experiences of the Oakden families are never repeated and that older South Australians are supported and cared for as they age.

What it means for you

  • You, or the older people you love, are better protected
  • There is more scrutiny and transparency in aged care environments
  • There is more mental health support for older people and more aged care accommodation

Policy snapshot

  • We set up an Adult Safeguarding Unit to better protect vulnerable older people.
  • We were the first state in the country to trial surveillance technology in aged care facilities to help stop abuse and support quality care.
  • We are implementing the recommendations of the Oakden Oversight Committee and the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
Download full policy (PDF)
We have been working every day to make sure the experiences of the Oakden families are never repeated.

We have been working every day to make sure the experiences of the Oakden families are never repeated.