An inquiry into the Esther Foundation has revealed shocking allegations of sexual assault, gay conversion therapy, unqualified pharmaceutical treatments and exorcisms.

Following the concerning reports, the McGowan Government has taken steps towards criminalising conversion therapy, the practice that seeks to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Chris Tallentire, Committee chair, and Member for Thornlie told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live that the inquiry was aimed at looking at the problems that occurred at Esther House and how they can fix these problems for other unregulated private health facilities.

“These are places that we desperately need in many ways, places that can deal with problems like drug and alcohol addictions, places where people need to be in some residential setting, so they can get the best possible treatment,” he told Oly.

“What we have to have, and this is what our report really concluded, we need the very best of regulations for these places. We cannot afford to have these ‘needed places’ going on in an unregulated manner.”

Mr Tallentire highlighted that all reports that were criminal nature, have been reported to the police.

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