The man who complained his mother’s death was used by the Opposition to score political points had police sent to his home shortly after he rang the office of Liberal health spokesman Stephen Wade.
THE man who complained his elderly mother’s death was falsely used by the Opposition to score political points had police sent to his home shortly after he rang the office of Liberal health spokesman Stephen Wade.
The Advertiser has learned that several hours after the man rang Mr Wade’s office on Thursday to advise the allegations about his mother’s death were incorrect, police arrived at his home.
The man on Friday confirmed the police visit, stating that he was “astonished at the reaction’’ to his call to Mr Wade’s office.
“Yes, I was quite vocal and upset and I left my name and telephone number so that Mr Wade could call me and apologise, but instead a patrol car arrived with police saying I had made threats against him,’’ he said.
“I explained exactly what had happened and told them the conversation I had with one of his advisers and they left happily.’’
Mr Wade on Friday said his staff followed protocols and advised the Clerk of the Council Jan Davis about the call and her office had advised police.
“Upon hearing the matter had been referred to the police, I advised the police I wanted no action to be taken. Later in the day I signed an official police document that confirmed no action should be taken against the individual,’’ he said.
The family of the woman, 86, demanded an apology from Mr Wade — who claimed she died in “disturbing circumstances’’ at Noarlunga Hospital because Flinders Medical Centre was overcrowded. Mr Wade subsequently issued a public apology to the family.
Health Minister Jack Snelling on Friday called on Opposition Leader Steven Marshall to apologise, rather than Mr Wade, claiming Mr Marshall had also misled parliament.
The woman’s son said his mother’s death “had absolutely nothing to do with overcrowding’’ and his family was distressed she had been used to score political points in the health debate.