An independent investigation is underway into abuse claims at a Queensland aged care facility.
Carinity Baptist Community Services, which runs the Kepnock Grove facility at Bundaberg, says it has already thoroughly investigated complaints made last year that a resident with dementia had been allowed to bash other residents.
Federal Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield also said the government's Aged Care Complaints Scheme had responded to complaints, having undertaken an unannounced visit on January 22.
That investigation is still underway.
However, The Australian newspaper on Monday claimed the centre had covered up the abuse and that some of the bashings had resulted in death.
Senator Fifield says the gravity of the latest claims has prompted the independent Australian Aged Care Quality Agency to visit the site on Monday to review the facility's operations.
"As part of its standard case management processes, the Quality Agency will also review the performance history of other facilities operated by the Baptist Union of Queensland," Senator Fifield said.
"Assessors from the Quality Agency will interview staff, review residents care plans, and observe the staff and management practices of both care managers and front-line staff."
Carinity has denied the reported allegations.
"This is unfounded and without any supporting evidence whatsoever," a statement on its website read.
"There is also no evidence to support a claim of serious injury attributable to neglect.
"We categorically reject the allegation that Carinity has engaged in any sort of cover-up."
Carinity said staff had since reviewed the clinical care for each resident, increased resourcing and made a raft of changes to systems and procedures.
Coralee O'Rourke, who was be sworn in on Monday as Queensland's new Minister for Seniors, said she had not yet had the opportunity to look into the matter, but it would be one of her priorities.
