A new unit which will look into reports of abuse and neglect against vulnerable older South Australians has been launched by the Marshall Liberal Government.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the nation-first Adult Safeguarding Unit, which was established in direct response to the Oakden crisis, would make it easier for the community to report cases of suspected abuse or harm.
It will also be mandatory for all reports received by the Unit to be looked into.
“Until now, there has been no single government agency in the state with a clear statutory responsibility for safeguarding adults, who, despite having full decision-making capacity, are experiencing abuse or neglect,” Mr Wade said.
“Tragically, South Australians have seen some of the worst cases of abuse of vulnerable people and we never want to see that repeated.
“We are committed to ensuring all vulnerable adults have their rights safeguarded and are able to live a life of dignity and autonomy.
“That is why, with the opening of the ASU within the Office for Ageing Well, we can now provide vulnerable adults with tailored support to help them navigate what can be a complex system.
The ASU will walk alongside the adult and their supporters to ensure they understand their options and receive the assistance they require, which may include the development of a safeguarding plan.
It will provide a place where vulnerable adults can have their voices heard, where their concerns can be responded to and where issues can be followed up to ensure that matters raised have been acted on appropriately.
Minister Wade said the Adult Safeguarding Bill was developed in direct response to issues identified in the Older Persons Mental Health Service at Oakden.
“In the shadow of Oakden, the Marshall Liberal team committed to adult safeguarding legislation to protect the rights of vulnerable adults,” he said.
“While the former Labor Government allowed reports to gather dust for years, the Marshall Liberal Government honoured its commitment to table legislation within 100 days of taking office.
“I would like to take this opportunity to not only recognise all the key stakeholders who have guided this work but also the courage, perseverance, empathy and determination of the families affected so badly by Oakden.
“We believe this Unit will lead the way for adult safeguarding reform around the nation.”
Cassie Mason from the Office for Ageing Well said the ASU is staffed by skilled and dedicated professionals with significant experience in working with older people from diverse backgrounds.
“The ASU will assess all reports of abuse and will then decide on appropriate follow-up. This could include investigating the situation further or taking immediate action, depending on the circumstances,” Ms Mason said.
“For the first three years, the ASU will respond to reports of abuse of people 65 years and older, or 50 years and older, if the person is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
“From 1 October 2022, it will respond to reports involving vulnerable adults of all ages who may be experiencing abuse or harm.
“The ASU will also have key focus on the prevention of elder abuse by raising awareness through the community and education.”
The community can report abuse, and seek free confidential advice and support, by contacting the Adult Safeguarding Unit through the SA Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line 1800 372 310.
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/adultsafeguardingunit
