Lake Alice Hospital Financial Assistance for Terminally Ill Survivors

Urgent Aid for Survivors of Lake Alice Hospital

In a groundbreaking move, the government has announced urgent financial assistance for survivors of Lake Alice Hospital facing terminal illnesses. This decision comes after a heartfelt plea from survivor Bruce Harkness on behalf of a friend, leading to expedited payments of $20,000 to a small group of survivors from the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit, dated between 1972 and 1978.

Immediate Response from the Government

The rapid response was initiated after Harkness reached out to Erica Stanford, the coordination minister overseeing the government's response to the Royal Commission's Report concerning historical abuse in state care. Stanford stated, “I’m really honoured to say we’re accelerating a $20,000 payment to those Lake Alice survivors of torture who are terminally ill.” This is a notable step, even though this action is not a direct recommendation from the commission.

Protecting the Remaining Days of Survivors

• Many recipients are already in hospice care and unable to advocate for themselves.
• Malcolm Richards, a fellow survivor, emphasized the significance of the payment, yet criticized the amount, stating, “Why didn’t they make it $200,000?”
• Advocate Mike Ferris highlighted the urgency, noting the survivors are aging rapidly, with many experiencing severe health issues.

Stanford assured that these payments are just the beginning of ongoing support for victims of torture and mistreatment. According to Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, the only requirement to apply for these payments is a medical professional's letter confirming a terminal diagnosis and prognosis of six months or less.