News

Federal, state and territory governments need to urgently fast-track the introduction of nationally consistent, strong Power of Attorney laws which protect older Australians from abuse, COTA Australia says.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has today called on the federal, and all state and territory governments, to take stronger and more comprehensive action to protect older people, including urgent reform of power of attorney laws.

COTA Australia, today welcomed the launch by Attorney General Christian Porter of the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians, including the rollout of a new national, elder abuse free call number and a series of national trials of frontline services.

The Aged Care Royal Commission must investigate an appropriate range of penalties for neglect, excessive restraint and abuse in residential aged care and the need for more effective monitoring of staff, including the use of CCTV cameras, in light of shocking incidents reported by Four Corners.

COTA Australia, along with the Australian Banking Association and National Seniors, are calling on the nation’s Attorneys-General to introduce standardised Power of Attorney laws, a single national online register and dedicated body who can investigate suspected financial abuse of older Australians

Australia’s leading advocacy body for older Australians and aged care consumers, COTA Australia, has welcomed the Government’s announcement, reported in media overnight, that a new streamlined Aged Care Safety and Quality Commission will commence from 1 January 2019.