Summary

10.1       Engaging with social security through Centrelink is a part of life for most older people. In 2012, only 20% of persons over Age Pension age did not receive a pension. This makes Centrelink a primary site for the detection and prevention of elder abuse, especially financial abuse.

10.2       Stakeholders suggested that elder abuse is largely invisible in legal frameworks that determine Centrelink processes and responses. This ‘invisibility’ may result in a lost opportunity for Centrelink to detect and respond to elder abuse—particularly in areas such as Carer Payment and payment nominees, or in policies governing the entitlements of older persons.

10.3       The proposals in this chapter focus on enhancing elder abuse visibility in these legal frameworks and frontloading safeguards against abuse.