NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says her government is doing its utmost to help those impacted in the Newmarch House debacle, despite neither her nor Health Minister Brad Hazzard speaking with impacted family members.
Opposition Leader Jodi McKay visited with families outside Newmarch House last week, but despite the deepening crisis, those families haven’t heard from Ms Berejiklian or Mr Hazzard.
“Please know that no matter what situation that any person or any family is going through, our government is working vigilantly day in and day out to support those families and those communities,” Ms Berejiklian said this morning.
“The Minister and all of our health officials have been in daily contact with the operators, with the Federal Government, with the Federal regulator and with the Federal Minister.
“NSW has done its utmost to make sure we advocate on behalf of the residents and it’s because of Mr Hazzard’s intervention that the families were able to communicate with their loved ones.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said testing at the nursing home was continuing “above and beyond” what would usually be required.
She also confirmed the most recent staff member detected with the virus did not work while infectious.
Yesterday, Anglicare appointed an independent adviser to oversee the management of the outbreak at Newmarch House.
Andrew Kinkade was appointed after Anglicare’s operating licence was threatened by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.