News
13 February, 2025
Join elder abuse inquiry
Pumicestone and surround residents are invited to attend a public hearing on Bribie Island on February 28, to help the State Government’s inquiry into elder abuse.
With Pumicestone being home to one of the state’s largest elderly populations, residents are encouraged to attend and share their experiences with Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, and Queensland Parliament’s Education, Arts, and Communities Committee.
The public event will take place on Bribie Island at the RSL Club, 99 Toorbul Street, Bongaree, on 28 February, from 9.00am to 11.00am.
Historically, Bribie Island and its surrounds have been a haven for retirees, fostering a community where older residents can enjoy a peaceful and engaging lifestyle. The island’s rich history of community involvement and support underscores the importance of protecting its senior members.
Chair of the committee, Nigel Hutton, Member for Keppel, said seniors are “the foundation” of communities, emphasising the importance of this inquiry.
“It is our duty to protect and respect them (seniors),” he said, “enhancing the measures in place to safeguard their well-being.”
Ms Doolan encouraged the community to engage with the inquiry, calling the insights and experiences of locals “invaluable.”
“This inquiry is a crucial step toward understanding the challenges they face and building a safer and more supportive environment for our elderly citizens,” she said.
Bribie-Moreton Hospice Health Services Inc secretary Maree Cunningham has seen her share of elder abuse in its different forms.
“Elder abuse is a well-hidden issue, like most forms of abuse,” she said.
“These days, it’s a lot easier to hide certain abuse because most of our banking is digital/online.”
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 like Moreton Bay North.
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 Thursday, 10 April 2025. To participate, visit the Inquiry webpage at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/elderabuse.
