Bringing elder abuse support to regional and remote Queensland

Older people living in regional, rural and remote communities can face particular challenges when it comes to elder abuse. Services can be hundreds of kilometres away, and people may not know where to turn. ADA Law’s Seniors Legal and Social Support Service (SLASSS) is working to change that by taking free legal and social support directly to communities across Western Queensland.

On the road

Between April and August 2026, the SLASSS team travelled thousands of kilometres. They met residents, connected with local services and ran community education sessions on advance care planning and preventing the abuse of older people. Communities visited include:

• Charleville, Quilpie, Yowah and Cunnamulla

• Georgetown and Burketown

• Longreach, Jundah and Winton

• Mount Isa, Normanton, Karumba and Croydon

Many visits were part of community roadshows with partners such as Seniors Queensland, the Office of Advance Care Planning and Services Australia. Most sessions were followed by private, one-on-one appointments.

Making a difference

In one recent case, SLASSS helped an older woman who had been in hospital for nine months with discharge planning stalled. The SLASSS social worker met with her to understand her views and wishes. They then set up regular meetings with her treating team and decision-makers. Within three months she was discharged. She was also supported to visit her home one last time to collect her belongings and say goodbye to her neighbours.

Speaking out at the national conference

SLASSS Team Leader Rebecca spoke on a panel at the 2026 Australian Elder Abuse Conference, held on the Gold Coast in July. The panel focused on the challenges facing older people in regional and remote areas. ADA Australia co-hosted the conference with Elder Abuse Action Australia and Caxton Community Legal Centre. Its theme was the importance of speaking out about elder abuse.

Coming up in October

• Mount Isa: 19 October

• Dajarra and Boulia: 20 October

• Bedourie and Birdsville: 21 October

Two earlier trips to Birdsville were cancelled because of floodwaters, so the team is especially looking forward to this visit.

Who can SLASSS help?

SLASSS is free for older people in Western Queensland who are at risk of, or worried about, elder abuse. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and all other people aged 60 and over. The service can help with:

• family conflict that is causing harm

• family agreements

• financial matters

• your preferences about future care

To book an appointment, call ADA Law on 1800 232 529 (1800 ADA LAW), email info@adalaw.com.au or visit adalaw.com.au. If you need an interpreter, call 131 450.

If you or someone you know needs help with elder abuse anywhere in Australia, call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).