The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) welcomes WorkSafe’s decision to charge St Vincent’s hospital with two offences following the tragic and preventable passing of Makalie Watts-Owen, a proud Tagalaka, Kukatja and Worimi woman. Makalie passed away in St Vincent’s mental health unit in February 2024, just after her 24th birthday. Her mother Sharon Watts has staunchly fought for justice, demanding answers into the circumstances of her daughter’s passing.
VALS is representing Sharon Watts, and will continue to stand alongside her in her fight for justice for her daughter.
Quotes Attributable to Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service:
“Hospitals are meant to be a place of safety and care for vulnerable people seeking support yet we have many instances that show that they are far from that for our communities. The circumstances around Makalie’s passing are tragic. Makalie had a full life ahead of her, she wanted to study law and work in Child Protection. My heart breaks for Sharon and all those who loved Makalie. VALS will continue to support Sharon and her family in their pursuit of answers and justice and all the individuals and families and organisations who seek in both big and small ways to improve the safety of hospitals for our communities.”
Quotes Attributable to Siobhan Doyle, Principal Managing Lawyer, Civil and Human Rights Practice, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service:
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of mental health issues, and are at a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. There is clear, well documented evidence of this. It is unfathomable that we are still having to advocate for hospitals to eliminate ligature risks. When our hospitals and health care workers do not provide a holistic, trauma informed and culturally capable care, people’s lives are put at risk. That should be minimum standards in mental health care. VALS currently represents the families of three Aboriginal people who died by suicide in hospitals. I hope today’s announcement is step forward in ensuring hospitals are safer for everyone.”
Quotes Attributable to Sharon Watts, Makalie’s mother:
“Makalie should still be with us today. St Vincent’s failed to keep my child safe, she was seeking support, and they failed her. St Vincent’s should be held accountable, so this never happens again to anyone else’s child. I just want her back. In the almost two years since she left us the grief has been overwhelming, but today’s announcement from WorkSafe is a step towards achieving justice in her name. But this fight is not over. Her life mattered and she deserved better.”