Oakden Mental Health Facility

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:56): Supplementary: given that the minister has provided the house with the information that up to 16 tier 7 patients can be housed at the Northgate aged-care facility, where will the remainder of the existing and future tier 7 patients be housed once the government implements its policy to close the Oakden facility?

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:56): As with any aged-care service, unfortunately there are bereavements from time to time with particularly our acutely unwell. We also know that the people's condition in these dementia states sometimes actually improve and they can go backwards, just as with any medical condition. That is why I must rely on the advice of clinicians such as Dr Duncan McKellar, who is a very, very knowledgeable man.

Mr Duluk: What does he think we should do?

The SPEAKER: The member for Davenport is warned.

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS: What we do know is that 16 residents at the Oakden facility, and Makk and McLeay, will have the opportunity to come to the new Northgate site. Those people who are in an appropriate medical state of wellbeing will be prioritised for treatment and support in the private aged-care sector with the support of their loved ones through this decision-making process.