Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm says a joint report into Elder abuse in the state highlights the urgent need for an inquiry. Photo: Facebook (Amanda Camm MP).
A joint report into Elder abuse by the Queensland Government and Uniting Care has revealed an urgent need for an inquiry, according to Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm.
The Elder Abuse Statistics in Queensland Year in Review report found 4,458 phone calls were made to the Elder Abuse Helpline in 2023-24, with 2,674 notifications of abuse.
In December 2024, the State Government established a Parliamentary inquiry to investigate the devastating consequences of Elder abuse, with Minister Camm acknowledging it is currently underreported.
“This inquiry will also help increase awareness right across Queensland, as we work towards better protecting some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” she said.
“All Queenslanders have a role to play in preventing elder abuse including families, communities, service providers and all levels of government.
“Increasing our understanding of elder abuse and boosting community awareness is vital to stopping the abuse.”
The report comes on the back of a warning from the Cairns Community Legal Centre (CCLC) last month of anecdotal evidence suggesting Elder abuse and financial exploitation was being ignored in some remote parts of Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“In a community where everyone knows everyone, people often find it hard to access our service without others knowing, and there is a very real fear of the repercussions if they do speak with us,” CCLC social worker Lauren Esposito told Cape York Weekly at the time.
“Elder abuse can have serious physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences.”
The report highlighted the largest group of older people experiencing abuse was aged 80–84, with women twice as likely to be the victim of Elder abuse.
Sons and daughters are the perpetrators in 95 per cent of reported cases of abuse, with the report finding more than half of victims lived with the perpetrator.
For support regarding Elder abuse or financial exploitation, call the CCLC on 1800 062 608 or the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit on 1300 651 192.
