The Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) Fraser Coast, managed by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC), has called for stronger safeguards, funding, and legal reform to better protect older Queenslanders from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

In a comprehensive submission to the Inquiry into Elder Abuse in Queensland, the service, which provides free legal and social support to seniors experiencing or at risk of abuse, has detailed the growing prevalence and complexity of elder abuse, particularly in regional communities.

Prepared by members of the SLASS team, the submission highlights first-hand experiences from clients across the Fraser Coast.

Cases range from financial theft and family violence to carer neglect, psychological abuse and online scamming, Legal Services Manager Raymond Hill said.

“Elder abuse is happening far more often than people realise, and it takes many forms,” Mr Hill said.

“We’ve worked with clients who have been physically assaulted by their children, scammed out of their life savings, or manipulated into signing over their homes. Others are simply neglected because their carers are overwhelmed or unsupported.

“Our role is to stand beside them and give them legal advice, practical support, and, importantly, their voice back.”

The service, which operates under HBNC’s legal and professional services division, assisted 228 clients with positive outcomes last financial year and delivered more than 2,200 hours of legal and case management support.

It also runs a Seniors Financial Protection Service, helping older people safeguard their money and understand scams and financial exploitation.
Mr Hill said the submission paints a clear picture of a system under strain.

He said it highlights a growing need for coordinated, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate responses.

“We’re seeing more seniors in crisis who are isolated, confused and financially vulnerable, especially as the cost of living rises and family pressures increase,” Mr Hill said.

“Our submission calls for better coordination between health, justice and community services, improved funding for regional support hubs, and stronger laws to protect seniors, including tighter controls on enduring powers of attorney and more accessible legal pathways when family agreements break down.”

Among the report’s key recommendations are:

• Establishing regional elder abuse hubs to act as central referral and support points.
• Increasing funding for health–justice partnerships in regional hospitals.
• Expanding digital literacy programs and ensuring face-to-face access to banks and government services.
• Introducing a national register of Enduring Powers of Attorney and improved legal safeguards for vulnerable adults.
• Recognising elder abuse within the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 to ensure better enforcement and awareness.

SLASS Fraser Coast’s submission also calls for the Queensland Government to explore an Adult Safeguarding model similar to frameworks in other jurisdictions, ensuring timely intervention before abuse escalates.

“Too often, we only see clients after the damage has been done,” Mr Hill said.

“By the time they reach us, they may have lost their savings, their home, or their confidence. Prevention and early support are critical.”

Mr Hill said the service’s team members were instrumental in documenting the lived experiences behind the statistics.

“Their dedication ensures that the voices of our most vulnerable seniors are heard where it matters most - in shaping the laws and policies that should protect them,” he said.

READ THE SUBMISSION

About SLASS Fraser Coast

The Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) Fraser Coast provides free advice social support to people aged 60+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation.

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