Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I commend the member for Makin on this motion and appreciate the opportunity to speak in support of it. Elder abuse is a growing and insidious problem within our society and, sadly, around the world. Studies indicate that around five per cent of the elderly are the victims of this sort of abuse, though the Australian Institute of Criminology states that 'there are likely to be high levels of under reporting' of elder abuse. It is defined by the World Health Organisation as:

…a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

So we are not talking about random acts of violence by strangers perpetuated against the elderly, although that in itself is quite shocking. But I think far worse is the elder abuse we are discussing today that takes place within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust—and that, sadly, is most common within a family relationship.

A Western Australian study on elder abuse conducted in 2002 found that the most commonly-reported abusers were daughters, 22 per cent; sons, 21 per cent; spouses or de factos, 18 per cent; other relatives, 17per cent; and daughters- or sons-in-law, five per cent. It is distressing to think that anyone in a position of trust would abuse that position, but to imagine a loved one, a family member, actually taking advantage of someone in that way is truly appalling. It speaks volumes about the need for us as a society to espouse values such as compassion, caring and responsibility, particularly within the context of our families. We need to ensure that our children do not just learn independence, confidence and self-worth, but also the value of community, accountability and self-sacrifice. That is why it is so very important that we raise awareness of this issue: so that we can send a very clear message that elder abuse is not acceptable and will not be tolerated—just as we say no to domestic abuse on White Ribbon Day.

As this motion points out, elder abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological or financial, or may involve neglect. I want to take some time today to discuss the issue of financial abuse, because it is perhaps what some in the community still regard as a grey area. Bruises or ill health are more easily identified than the systematic appropriation of someone's assets. Financial exploitation includes fraud, forgery, forced property transfers and the improper use of legal guardianship arrangements or powers of attorney. The wrongful use of elderly people's assets ranges from a failure to hand over change from a shopping trip to the sale of a relative's home. Some instances involve inadvertent or poor management of funds; some come down to ethical dilemmas of unpaid care; and then there is the pressure of an increasing sense of entitlement from impatient younger relatives—particularly as people live longer lives.

A former Adult Guardian of Queensland, Paula Scully was quoted in a 2006 research paper as saying that financial abuse was biggest problem confronting the Queensland Office of the Adult Guardian, which was established to help combat the abuse of adults with impaired capacity. She articulated the attitude she had witnessed:

Some people seem to think that it is perfectly all right to shift an elderly relative into a home and then just take over their assets on the basis that 'granny doesn't need this anymore and we are going to inherit anyhow', and I'm sure that at least some don't see this as any form of abuse at all. Well, it is.

Yes, it most definitely is. The extent of this problem is difficult to pinpoint, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. During one three-year period, callers to the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit Queensland helpline claimed to have lost a total of $8.2 million. This motion calls for all state and territory governments to support initiatives that help prevent abuse. I am pleased that in Queensland, the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit was established in 1997 and is funded by the Queensland government and auspiced by UnitingCare Community. They run the Elder Abuse Helpline, and the number for Queensland residents is 1300 651 192.

I represent a large proportion of seniors within my electorate of McPherson. These are people who have contributed and continue to contribute to the community in so many positive ways. They deserve our respect, our attention, and our protection when appropriate. The idea of any elderly person being abused is indeed abhorrent.

Debate adjourned.

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