Detectives investigating reports male employee sexually assaulted resident at Brightwater Madeley nursing home

Sex assault squad detectives are investigating reports of an alleged assault at an aged care facility in Perth’s north. Police were called to Brightwater in Madeley about 5.20am on Monday to reports that a male staff member had allegedly sexually assaulted a female resident. The man was taken into custody but has since been released without charge. “Inquiries are ongoing,” a police spokesperson said. A Brightwater Care Group spokesperson confirmed the staff member had been stood down. “An investigation is currently underway by WA Police following an incident involving a staff member at Brightwater Madeley (on Monday) morning,” the spokesperson said. “We are taking this matter extremely seriously and continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities,” the spokesperson told The West. “As always, the safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff remain our highest priority.” The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission wouldn’t confirmed whether it was aware of the incident, but said aged care providers had a legal obligation to alert the Commission “of serious incidents when they occur”. “The Commission’s investigation of incidents occurs in the context of provider obligations outlined in the Act and the Aged Care Quality Standards. Any incident that may involve criminal action should be reported to the relevant State/Territory police,” a spokesperson said. “The Commission will work with police and others involved as needed. “If we find that the provider has not met their legal obligations, we will take action to hold them to account. “If at any time the Commission identifies an immediate or severe risk to residents living at a service, we will move quickly to ensure that they are safe.” It comes just months after aged care worker Armand Lutula Wema was acquitted by a jury in the District Court after he was accused of sexually assaulting two female residents at two Perth facilities. Mr Wema was charged with indecently assaulting an 86-year-old woman at Aegis Aged Care Mindarie in 2022 and sexual penetration without consent, involving a 73-year-old woman at Howard Solomon Residential Care Ferndale in 2023. The jury began deliberating on September 4 and handed down their verdicts the following morning.