Coronial inquest into deaths at St Basil’s Fawkner in limbo after four years

·

A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of 45 residents at St Basil’s aged care home in Fawkner, Victoria has been delayed after the facility’s managers refused to provide any evidence.

According to 9 Now, St Basil’s former Chairman, Kon Kontis and former Nursing Director, Vicky Kos both refused to give evidence on the grounds they may incriminate themselves.

The delays have left grieving family members like Spiro Vasilakis – who lost his 81-year-old mum Maria to COVID-19 at St Basil’s Fawkner in July 2020 – frustrated and angered.

Vicky Kos and Kon Kontis both declined to give evidence at the coronial inquest. Photo: 9 Now.

“I feel that the way that Vicky and Kon have behaved is cowardly,” Spiro said.

Lawyer Justin Lawrence added that the progression of the inquest was unusual.

“It’s not a usual thing to have a situation where years down the track, the coroner is still yet to hand down his findings,” Mr Lawrence said.

With the inquest on hold, Worksafe is taking St Basil’s Fawkner to court on nine charges of violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act, alleging that in July 2020, the aged care home neglected to require staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

St Basil’s Fawkner is yet to enter a plea regarding Worksafe’s multiple charges, yet if found guilty, each charge carries a maximum fine of $1.49 million. Worksafe’s criminal case will return to court in July.

Source: 9 Now

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Jon Adgemis’ venue operator Linchpin cuts jobs amid financial turmoil

Several staff members have been dismissed from Linchpin Hospitality, the operator of embattled pub baron Jon Adgemis’ remaining venues.

Golden North relocates after 100 years as Greek Australians spearhead expansion

Golden North will leave its historic home after more than 100 years, relocating under the leadership of Greek Australian entrepreneurs.

New Greek ID system: What the ‘Personal Number’ means for Greeks in Australia

The Greek government officially launched the 'Personal Number' on June 3, 2025. What does it mean for Greeks in Australia?

10 years on, Angela Merkel defends her stance on Greece and the eurozone

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she never wanted Greece to leave the eurozone, speaking during a special event in Athens.

Wildfires ravage Crete and Halkidiki as Greece battles summer blazes

Firefighters in Greece are battling multiple wildfires, with major blazes reported on the island of Crete and in Halkidiki.

You May Also Like

Greece transfers 450 migrants from Lesvos to facility on mainland

Greece is transferring 450 migrants recently detained for trying to reach the island of Lesvos illegally to a facility near Athens, authorities said Sunday.

Greece announces major revamp for ‘abandoned’ Olympic venue by 2023

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has unveiled a 43 million euro (AU$69.09m) plan to revamp Greece's biggest sports complex by 2023.

Peter Politis named on Futsalroos Squad for ASEAN Futsal Championships 2024

Futsalroos’ Head Coach Miles Downie has selected a 14-player squad to compete in the ASEAN Futsal Championships 2024, Thailand.