New inquiry into elder abuse welcomed
Consumer groups have welcomed the announcement by Federal Attorney General George Brandis that the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) will conduct an inquiry into laws and frameworks to safeguard older Australians from elder abuse.
Federal Attorney General George Brandis at the 4th National Elder Abuse Conference held in Melbourne last week
The announcement was made at the 4th National Elder Abuse Conference held in Melbourne last week and follows the commitment by over 25 elder abuse organisations to work together nationally.
Consumer lobby group National Seniors has called for a national elder abuse prevention strategy and public awareness campaign in its 2016 federal budget submission.
Chief executive Michael O’Neill says a national approach to the issue of elder abuse was long overdue.
“A safe and secure old age free from abuse and neglect is a basic human right.
“This first national response to elder abuse will shine a spotlight on what is a largely hidden problem,” Mr O’Neill says.
“We hope to see stronger laws and a national framework arise out of this inquiry.”
In its submission, National Seniors also recommends the introduction of national Powers of Attorney legislation and mandatory reporting for the financial services sector.
Reports indicate that financial abuse forms approximately 50 percent of all abuse perpetrated against older people.
“At a national conference on elder abuse we heard of a number of cases of vulnerable older victims losing between $500 and $500,000 each, often to relatives and to their children in particular.”
Seniors Rights Victoria is calling for a national awareness campaign and systematized data collection, and more funding for organisations that respond to elder abuse.
“A national and coordinated approach is vital if we are to successfully tackle elder abuse,” says Seniors Rights Victoria’s Manager, Jenny Blakey.
“Our present system is fragmented and too many older people are not getting the help they need.
“We welcome the fact that the Australian Government has now put elder abuse squarely on the national agenda. The inquiry is a strong start.”
The ALRC is set to report back to government by May 2017.
