Adult Safeguarding Unit

Ms CLANCY (Elder) (15:19): My question is to the Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well. Can the minister please update the house on protections and support for older South Australians?

The Hon. N.F. COOK (Hurtle Vale—Minister for Human Services, Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well) (15:20): I thank the member for the question and also for her steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of her constituents. The Adult Safeguarding Unit, commonly known as the ASU, was established in 2019 in response to concerns about elder abuse. In our first two budgets, we included more than $12 million to support its work, including the expansion to help all vulnerable adults, particularly those with disability, and not just seniors.

The ASU was developed in response to reports of neglect, abuse, exploitation and also potential gaps in our systems where police or other agencies may have not been able to intervene. As the responsible minister, I regularly see the value of the ASU's work, but a recent call from a fellow MP reminded me of just how critical this is. Their electorate office was approached by an older person and their acquaintance seeking a JP service—this happens all the time. A warning bell rang when staff realised they wanted a witness to a loan agreement that would move hundreds of thousands of dollars out of an older person's account.

After further conversation with the older person alone, the MP's office declined to be involved and suggested they seek professional financial advice. Importantly, the MP's office didn't just leave it there, they actually picked up the phone and rang the Adult Safeguarding Unit. To the MP's relief, a follow-up call from the ASU confirmed the transaction had not gone ahead and the funds remained untouched.

We can't always stop situations when people are scammed over the phone or online by dodgy operators from overseas, but we do have a chance to stop people getting fleeced by those whom they know. But it's not just about responding when something happens. Older South Australians have a range of opportunities to plan ahead proactively, protect themselves and ensure their wishes and resources are protected. With this week being Plan Ahead Week, we remind people about six steps to take control of their future, which are:

1. Have a conversation with trusted people like family, friends, or your GP about your wishes and how they can help ensure they are followed.

2. Complete an advance care directive for future health care, end of life, living arrangements, pets and other personal matters.

3. Consider an enduring power of attorney, so someone can manage finances and legal matters.

4. Create a will to clarify administration, inheritance and guardianship issues.

5. Register as an organ and tissue donor, so you can help other people after you have gone.

6. Lastly, importantly, lodge, copy, communicate and share your documents with your trusted circle.

Last week, I joined Gabrielle Canny from the Legal Services Commission and residents from my local aged care service, Cottage Grove, to highlight the importance of documenting your wishes. Both Judy and Marion emphasised that planning ahead can take stress off your loved ones from having to guess the wishes and make decisions at a tough time. It gives you peace of mind also.

In contract, no advance care planning can leave us vulnerable to mistreatment and harm. All members in this place can lead by example, while also encouraging our constituents to do the same, by providing guidance, referrals and information. People often joke that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Well, we can be pretty sure that governments will take care of the taxes, but individuals and families are in a better position to plan ahead and make the best possible arrangements for end of life.