Statement in Relation to Incident Involving BaptistCare employee

Last Saturday, 29 May, 2021 a person, who has since been identified as an employee of BaptistCare appeared on a television news broadcast, in relation to a story featuring lockdown protests in Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne. The incident was subsequently reported on several television networks, and in social media over following days.

The behaviour of this employee doesn’t reflect who we are as an organisation, our values, or our unwavering commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, customers and clients.

The employee’s behaviour does not align with our core values, centred on respect and wellbeing for others. The employee also failed to practice social distancing, and did not wear a face mask, mandated at this time so as to minimise the spread of infections, such as COVID-19.

BaptistCare does not condone the actions of this employee, which were unacceptable, and out of step with our expectations as an employer, and the expectations of the community more broadly. To this end, BaptistCare commenced a review of the incident relating to the employee’s behaviour. The review has concluded, and the person has left our employ.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank all of our staff who are working tirelessly day-in-day-out across aged care, home care, family & community services, mental health, affordable housing and disability services. Many of them have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic for close to a year and a half now. We are also extremely thankful to all of our volunteers, family & friends and broader community, for their continued support at this difficult time.

BaptistCare Communications
Phone: 03 9831 7255
Email: communications@baptcare.org.au