A North-West man with a cognitive disability has been left bruised by his carers, despite a departmental investigation finding no evidence of abuse.
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On Wednesday, the ABC’s 7.30 reported that 26-year-old Theo Langmaid’s carers placed a lounge on top of him in an effort to restrain him.
They also threw him into a pool when he grew agitated, holding him there until he calmed down.
Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma said restraint did not necessarily constitute abuse “depending on the circumstances”.
North West Residential Support Services made the decision to stop caring for Mr Langmaid in 2014, after he had been violent towards staff.
Ms Petrusma noted that Mr Langmaid was under the organisation’s care when Tasmania was governed by Labor and the Greens.
“I consider it the height of dishonesty and duplicity for my political opponents to criticise me for actions which took place on their watch,” she said.
The Department of Health and Human Services undertook two separate investigations of the complaints lodged by Mr Langmaid’s mother.
“No evidence of abuse [was] found,” Ms Petrusma said.
She said Mr Langmaid was now provided for by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Opposition disability spokesman Josh Willie said it was irrelevant which party was in power at the time the alleged abuse occurred.
“What is relevant here is the process that’s been followed by the Minister and the way that it’s been handled,” Mr Willie said.
“The family went to Minister Petrusma’s office in 2014.
“And, clearly, due process wasn’t followed.
“Restrictive practices need to follow strict guidelines and be well-documented.”
North West Residential Support Services is conducting its own investigation of the matter.
But Mr Willie said Ms Petrusma had “pre-empted” the provider’s investigation by saying no abuse had occurred.