Eliminating elder abuse focus of State Budget for Seniors

Elder abuse prevention is at the forefront of the Palaszczuk Government’s 2018-19 State Budget for Queensland seniors, with financial and legal services across the state set to be expanded.

The Palaszczuk Government will expand its seniors legal and support services to Gladstone, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Mackay.

Minister for Seniors Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government continues to expand the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit and to roll out the establishment of five new services, through the funding of $900,000 per annum announced in the 2016-17 State Budget.

“Our seniors have worked hard contributing to their thriving communities for their entire lives and they deserve to live free from elder abuse and financial scams,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This is why we’re delivering on our commitment to tackle elder abuse in Queensland, by funding services that will provide older Queenslanders with advice and support so they can protect themselves from this serious issue.

“In addition to the elder abuse prevention services in five new locations, we will also continue to fund existing services in Toowoomba, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Cairns and Townsville.”

The Government is continuing to provide an extra $100,000 per year for the next two years to expand Seniors Enquiry Line to improve services that allow seniors to access expertise and advice on consumer protection issues and scams.

Mrs O’Rourke said the State Budget also benefited Queenslanders of all ages, by delivering on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to create an age-friendly state.

“Already we’ve seen the benefits of projects delivered through our Advancing Queensland: an age-friendly community grants program, and these will continue with $1 million in funding for the next two years,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“By investing in innovative ideas from Queensland’s thriving communities, we will continue to empower Queenslanders to create a more age-friendly state.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the budget would continue to build on last year’s record investment in Seniors Services, with funding to increase by three percent in 2018-19.

“Housing and cost of living are some of the biggest issues facing our seniors, and that’s why we’re working hard to ease some of that pressure on households,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to manage concessions for eligible Queensland households, including electricity, rates, water and gas concessions with an estimated total budget of $283.8 million in 2018-19.

“There is also an additional $200 million over two years for the Electricity Asset Ownership Dividend to deliver an electricity rebate with a credit of $50 a year in 2017-18 and 2018-19 for every household electricity bill.

“By continuing to support the Queensland Seniors’ Card scheme, we can help our more than 890,000 cardholders continue to reap the rewards of their life-long commitment to our state.”

For more information about the 2018-19 State Budget, go to budget.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389