A new Ageing and Disability Commissioner will investigate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults who receive support and care, including from family members and carers in the home. Gaps in oversight of this vulnerable cohort have been widely identified in inquiries, all of which concluded that a new body was needed to provide safeguards. The commissioner will also educate the community to recognise abuse, as often it is overlooked because it does not meet criminal thresholds, such as threatening to put someone in a home.

During debate on the bill, I welcomed this positive move in the protection of our most vulnerable and I called for further reforms proposed by legal experts including to wills, and enduring powers of attorney and guardianship documents. My speech: HERE