Queensland Government to Investigate Historical Abuse Allegations at Wolston Park Mental Health Institution
Following an ABC investigation into historical allegations of abuse at the Wolston Park mental health institution in Brisbane, the Queensland government has announced a new investigation. Wolston Park closed in 2001, but it has been plagued by widespread allegations of sexual abuse, beatings, and chemical restraint from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman stated that the allegations are "a significant concern" and has directed the Mental Health Commissioner to conduct a thorough investigation. This investigation will focus on the health services provided at Wolston Park Hospital between the 1950s and 1990s and will aim to capture the experiences of all individuals impacted, including those who were not considered wards of the state.
While acknowledging that the investigation cannot undo the harm caused, Ms. Fentiman hopes it will allow those impacted and their families to share their experiences and begin to heal. The investigation is expected to take approximately six months, with the commissioner providing recommendations on necessary actions. The decision to make the report public will be at the commissioner's discretion, but public submissions are welcome.
The government will also facilitate access to medical records for families and carers of patients during this period. This follows years of advocacy by former patients seeking recognition and acknowledgement of the abuse they endured.
Dr. Adele Chynoweth, author of "Goodna Girls," which explores the experiences of former wards of the state placed in Wolston Park, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations affecting all patients from the 1950s to the 1980s. She highlights the severity of the alleged abuse, including solitary confinement, rape, torture, and the lack of education and socialization.
This investigation marks a significant step towards addressing the historical abuse at Wolston Park and providing a platform for the voices of those impacted to be heard.