· Reports of elder abuse skyrocket by 21% over past 12 months under Palaszczuk Government
· 1550 reported cases of elder abuse in Queensland in the last 12 months – a jump of 21 per cent
· Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke remained silent on rising numbers until Opposition questioning
A skyrocketing number of elder abuse reports have been exposed under the Palaszczuk Government’s watch following questioning from the LNP Opposition.
Shadow Minister for Seniors Ros Bates said the responsible Minister Coralee O’Rourke has sat on her hands while the numbers of seniors reporting abuse has continued to rise under her stewardship.
“There was 1550 reported cases of elder abuse in Queensland in the last 12 months, which is a jump of 21 per cent in just 12 months,” Ms Bates said.
“This is a shocking statistic that needs to be addressed head on by Minister O’Rourke, but unfortunately this asleep at the wheel Palaszczuk Government has made no progress in curbing the trend.
“Elder abuse is a serious crime, and as a community we must take a zero tolerance approach to stamp it out.
“The mounting problem was only exposed after the Opposition asked a question to the Minister Coralee O’Rourke, instead of her being upfront with Queenslanders about the worrying increase.
“We need more than a few throw away lines from the Minister – we need a coordinated whole of Government and community strategy to protect our vulnerable elderly.
“In the 2013/14 budget handed down by the LNP in Government, we allocated $7.2 million to senior’s participation and support programs.
“Labor needs to step up and show they take this issue seriously instead of trying to duck for cover.”