Seniors in 10 Queensland communities will be able to access free independent financial advice to help protect them from financial abuse, thanks to $400,000 per annum in Palaszczuk Government funding.
Minister for Seniors Coralee O’Rourke today (10 May) launched the new Seniors Financial Protection Services at the Townsville Seniors Legal and Support Service office.
“The Palaszczuk Government is providing funding to this, and other services across Queensland as part of our response to a Parliamentary Inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial protections for Queensland seniors,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“This is the next stage of the rollout of the $1.85 million over 4 years I announced in July 2017 to assist vulnerable seniors who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, elder abuse.
“We have allocated $600,000 funding for the next 18 months to community legal centres here in Townsville and in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay and Cairns – and to Relationships Australia in Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
“These Seniors Financial Protection Services will provide free independent financial information, tailored to seniors.”
Financial protection services will provide seniors with advice on complex financial issues including aged care contracts and family agreements.
These services will be supported through a referral partnership with National Seniors Australia, which has been providing financial information and assistance to seniors for more than 24 years.
Mrs O’Rourke said the establishment of these new services was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to tackling elder abuse.
“We know that the most commonly reported form of elder abuse in our state is financial abuse,” she said.
“These services are an important step in responding to, and preventing, elder abuse in Queensland.
“Queensland seniors have worked hard contributing to their thriving communities and deserve to live free from abuse and financial scams.
“The Palaszczuk Government takes elder abuse seriously and we are committed to ensuring all Queenslanders live free from abuse.”
For more information about the Palaszczuk Government’s support and services for older people visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniors
