Elder abuse 'complex' but new laws not needed, inquiry says

Elder abuse is complex, under-reported, and frequently occurs within families, a new report has found, but the report stops short of recommending new specific criminal offences.

Published: 12 January 2026
  • qld
  • 12 January 2026
  • ABC News

A pre-election commitment from the LNP, the 12-month Queensland parliamentary inquiry was tasked with investigating the extent of elder abuse and making recommendations to the state government.

The report noted it had been "both shocked and moved" by the instances of elder abuse it had heard.

"The committee received evidence from stakeholders describing elder abuse as part of a wider systemic problem generated by financial and housing stress, social isolation, and a lack of appropriate recognition and support.

"Elder abuse is complex and poorly understood within the wider Queensland community."

It has made 16 recommendations, including the development of a national definition of elder abuse, and improved data collection and reporting.