All recommendations from Esther Foundation inquiry supported

The McGowan Government will change how private health services are regulated in Western Australia to adequately protect vulnerable Western Australians.
  • McGowan Government to change how private health services are regulated in WA to adequately protect vulnerable Western Australians
  • State Government supports in full or in principle all recommendations of the Parliamentary report into Esther Foundation and unregulated private health facilities
  • McGowan Government thanks victim-survivors who courageously shared their stories

The McGowan Government will change how private health services are regulated in Western Australia to adequately protect vulnerable Western Australians.

In response to the Education and Health Standing Committee report into Esther Foundation and unregulated private health facilities the State Government supports in full or in principle all recommendations of the report.

The Government supports the development of contemporary legislation to ensure the efficient and effective regulation of private health facilities including mental health and alcohol and drug services.

The Department of Health will conduct a statutory review of the Private Hospitals and Health Services Act 1927 (the PHHSA Act) in consultation with the sector to inform regulatory reform.

The Committee also recommended the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 be amended to provide the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) with greater powers to handle concerns about organisations that provide health services.

A further recommendation was to prohibit conversion practices. Last year the McGowan Government announced the move to criminalise practices that seek to change or suppress an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"I thank the victim-survivors who courageously shared their stories. These women were vulnerable - and were allegedly mistreated in a place they went to heal.

"Work will begin to ensure the efficient and effective regulation of private health facilities including mental health and alcohol and drug services.

"We recognise the opportunity to drive changes to prevent others from having similar experiences in the future and are strongly committed to providing safe, quality services to the Western Australian public."

Minister's office - 6552 5900


Sidebar