Bid to stamp out elder abuse

Bribie Island, historically a haven for retirees, will host an inquiry into elder abuse this month.

The Queensland Parliament’s Education, Arts and Communities Committee will host a public hearing at Bribie Island RSL Club on February 28 from 9-11am.

Committee Chair and State Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton says: “Our seniors are the foundation of our community, and it is our duty to protect and respect them. This inquiry is a crucial step toward understanding the challenges they face and enhancing the measures in place to safeguard their well-being”.

Bribie-Moreton Hospice Health Services Inc secretary Maree Cunningham has seen elder abuse in its different forms.

“Elder abuse is a well-hidden issue, like most forms of abuse. These days it's a lot easier to hide certain abuse because most of our banking is digital/online,” she explains.

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and financial harm, neglect, and other forms of mistreatment within relationships of trust.

Recent data reveals higher-than-expected rates of elder abuse in regions such as Moreton Bay North, which includes parts of Pumicestone.

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan is encouraging the community to engage with the inquiry.

“Your insights and experiences are invaluable. By contributing, you help us build a safer and more supportive environment for our elderly citizens,” she says.

The inquiry invites public submissions, focusing on the following:

• Nature and Extent: Understanding the prevalence and forms of elder abuse.
• Effectiveness of Current Measures: Evaluating laws, policies, and services.
• Opportunities for Improvement: Strengthening responses across all sectors to ensure they are trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.

Submissions are open until 5pm on April 10. To take part, visit parliament.qld.gov.au/elderabuse

The inquiry aims to go beyond addressing the symptoms of elder abuse by tackling its root causes, ensuring all older Queenslanders can live with dignity, respect, and security.