Aged-Care CCTV Trial

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing in another place a question about CCTV cameras in aged-care facilities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: Three years ago, South Australia had the opportunity to lead the country in this area when it partnered with a world leader in the provision of monitored CCTV technology, Care Protect, to undertake a trial of CCTV cameras in the bedrooms of residents in state-owned aged-care facilities. With a $500,000 federal government grant, the former Liberal government touted the trial as an Australian first. However, Care Protect withdrew, citing concerns its IP was being seriously compromised.

What was initially to be a trial in at least five aged-care homes was slashed to only two small facilities at Northgate House and Mount Pleasant aged care in the Adelaide Hills. We have since learned the original budget of $500,000 for the 12-month trial in at least five homes has blown out to at least $785,000, at last account, for cameras in only two homes. My questions to the minister are:

1. What were the results of the trial?

2. Will he table a copy of the final report to parliament?

3. Have the cameras remained in operation at the two sites, and will the exercise be extended?

4. What was the total cost of the trial?

5. Does the government have plans to introduce CCTV cameras in the bedrooms of residents at more state-operated aged-care sites?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:54): I thank the Hon. Frank Pangallo for his question and his ongoing and committed deep interest in this. I know he has asked many questions about aged care. I will make sure I pass on those questions to the minister in the other place and have a reply brought back for him.