Elder abuse: How well does the law in Queensland cope?

The Queensland Law Society and the Public Advocate in Queensland have launched a paper about issues and challenges for the legal system in promoting and protecting the rights and interests of older persons, specifically where elder abuse has been identified.

This discussion paper kicks off a two-month consultation period on how the law could be strengthened to address these issues and protect older Queenslanders from physical, emotional, financial and other abuse.

The paper asks a number of questions including:

• Should Queensland law define the meaning of “elder” or the concept of abuse?
• Can civil laws make it easier for the elderly who are victims of financial abuse to seek justice?
• Does the law which allows gifts to be made to adult children by parents provide adequate protection for elderly parents who have impaired decision-making capacity?

The issues paper, 'Elder Abuse: How well does the law in Queensland cope?' , is now available.

For more information, you can also read our media release.

Submissions or comments on the issues raised by the paper are encouraged and should be emailed to policyreform@qls.com.au or posted to Patrese McVeigh at the Queensland Law Society, GPO Box 1785 Brisbane 4000.