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Introduction
St Basil’s aged care facility in Fawkner has been fined $150,000 following a COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 that the court heard led to the deaths of 45 residents within a month. ABC News reported the matter was heard in Victoria’s County Court on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The operators pleaded guilty to one count of failing to provide a safe working environment for staff. A coroner is separately investigating the deaths.
Details of the Incident
According to the report, WorkSafe charged St Basil’s in relation to the 2020 outbreak at the Fawkner facility, which the court heard killed 45 residents and infected 45 staff members.
The County Court heard St Basil’s failed to provide adequate training for staff after five staff members were found to have not been formally taught how to put on and take off personal protective equipment (PPE). The court heard there had been five formal training sessions and daily demonstrations for some of July 2020, and Judge Trevor Wraight found there was “no ongoing supervision” to monitor which employees had undergone training.
The report stated the organisation pleaded guilty to the charge on 2 March, and the court heard this led to a $100,000 discount of its penalties. The court heard the facility had since digitised its record keeping and improved its systems.
Emergency Response
- Not specified
Regulatory Investigation
The report stated WorkSafe charged the facility in relation to the 2020 outbreak. A coroner is separately investigating the St Basil’s deaths, and the inquest had been put on hold.
- WorkSafe Victoria: Not specified
- Coroner: A coroner is separately investigating the deaths (inquest put on hold)
Company / Union Response
Not specified
Conclusion
St Basil’s has been fined $150,000 in Victoria’s County Court after pleading guilty to one count of failing to provide a safe working environment for staff in relation to the 2020 outbreak at the Fawkner facility. The coroner’s investigation was reported as ongoing, with the inquest on hold, and families said they were working with a law firm regarding a potential class action.