A Queensland parliamentary committee is calling for submissions for an investigation into elder abuse in the state. Source: Australian Ageing Agenda.
The Queensland Parliament’s Education, Arts and Communities Committee said it will look closely at the current systems to support those at risk, including health care, guardianship, emergency, and community services.
Statistics released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show about one in six older people experience elder abuse.
Committee chair Nigel Hutton said the committee particularly wanted to hear from those who have experienced elder abuse, so they can determine the nature and extent of it in the community.
“Elder abuse can take a lot of forms. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or financial,” Mr Hutton said.
“We know it can happen at home and can happen in institutional settings. The perpetrator might be a family member, friend, neighbour, carer, partner, service provider, or somebody else an older person should be able to trust.”
Mr Hutton said the inquiry aimed to better identify elder abuse, prevent it, and protect those who are most vulnerable.
Public hearings in Queensland will commence next month. The closing date for submissions is April 10.
The inquiry will consider evidence of people with lived experience of elder abuse, views of other stakeholders and relevant findings, reports and studies relating to elder abuse.
FULL STORY
Qld launches inquiry into elder abuse (By Jodie Wolf, Australian Ageing Agenda)
