Report on older people and the law
On the last day of sitting, the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee released its report on older people and the law.
The report makes a total of 48 recommendations with a particular focus on fraud, financial abuse, substitute decision making, and family agreements.
Key recommendations of the report include:
. National industry-wide protocols for banks and financial institutions to report alleged financial abuse;
. Uniform legislation on powers of attorney across states and territories;
. A nationally-consistent approach to the assessment of mental capacity;
. A national register of enduring powers of attorney;
. Awareness and education campaigns for powers of attorney, advance health care planning and advance care directives, and family agreements;
. Nationally-consistent legislation on guardianship arrangements;
. A rebate scheme for legal fees for older Australians; and
. A review of retirement village contract arrangements.
