Updates

Queenslanders encouraged to be vigilant against financial abuse during Seniors Month 2024

Queensland Public Trustee (QPT) is reminding older Queenslanders to put plans in place to protect themselves from financial abuse as part of Queensland Seniors Month 2024.

Queensland Seniors Month 2024 highlights the importance of protecting older individuals from financial abuse, calling on the community to remain vigilant and uphold the rights and dignity of older Queenslanders.

Public Trustee of Queensland Samay Zhouand said almost all cases of financial abuse occur within family relationships.

“Over 80 percent of financial abuse reports in Queensland involve family or friends mismanaging their role as attorney or administrator,” Mr Zhouand said.

“You can protect yourself by making sure your financial decision-making documents are in order.

“Nominating more than one attorney in your Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) or ensuring you have ‘nominated person’ arrangements in place reduce the risk,” he said.

Financial abuse has devastating impacts on its victims, but it can be difficult to recognise due to the nature of relationships between perpetrators and their victims.

In November 2022, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) received allegations about the financial management of an elderly woman named ‘Joan’.

Her son ‘John’ was acting as her financial administrator.

After investigating, the OPG referred John to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), which removed him as Joan’s administrator, replacing him with the Public Trustee.

The Public Trustee began an investigation into John’s actions and found that he had sold Joan’s house, but the proceeds from the sale were not deposited into her bank account.

It also discovered that a further $136,000 might have been misappropriated from Joan’s accounts by John. The matter was then referred to the Queensland Police Service.

The Public Trustee and the OPG provided statements and evidence to assist the police investigation.

In March 2024, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Queensland Police Service charged John with fraud, specifically for dishonestly causing detriment in relation to funds under his care, amounting to at least $100,000.

The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years in prison.

“If you suspect that an older person you know is being abused or if you are experiencing elder abuse yourself, you can call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192,” the Public Trustee said. “A loved one can make the call for you too and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.”

For more information download the factsheet on financial abuse and how you can protect yourself or visit QPT’s website: www.pt.qld.gov.au