Elder Abuse Inquiry to conduct hearings in Wide Bay and Burnett

The Inquiry into Elder Abuse in Queensland will be holding public hearings in Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Cherbourg this month.

A statement released from the office of Nanango MP Deb Frecklington this week said the committee’s role was to inquire and report on elder abuse by listening to the voices of people with lived experience and the views of other stakeholders, and to consider any relevant findings, reports or studies.

The Inquiry into Elder Abuse in Queensland will make its way to the Burnett and Wide Bay this month, with hearings scheduled to be held in Cherbourg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay on March 25-26.

A statement released from the office of Nanango MP Deb Frecklington this week said the committee will explore the nature and extent of elder abuse, assess how effectively current systems support older Queenslanders and identify opportunities to strengthen responses across the state.

The terms of reference the committee will consider is the abuse of older people in Queensland, which can be either a single or repeated act or a lack of appropriate action, causing harm or distress in trusted relationships.

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington – A statement released from her office this week said the committee will explore the nature and extent of elder abuse, assess how effectively current systems support older Queenslanders and identify opportunities to strengthen responses across the state.

Mrs Frecklington said she welcomed the announcement and encouraged anyone with lived experience to consider making a submission.

“This inquiry is an important step in ensuring that older members of our community are treated with dignity, respect, and the protection they deserve,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I strongly encourage anyone with lived experience to consider making a submission to this important inquiry — your insights are invaluable.”

The inquiry is accepting submissions, with written submissions due at 5pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

The hearings are open to the public and anyone can attend.

Anyone wishing to speak at one of the upcoming hearings must register at attend as a witness. 

Details for the hearings are as follows:

Tuesday, March 25:

Hervey Bay – 10am to 12pm at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, 22 Charles Street, Pialba

Maryborough – 2.30pm to 4pm at The Services Club, 163-175 Lennox Street, Maryborough

Wednesday, March 26:

Cherbourg – 10.30am to 12pm at The Cherbourg Sports Complex

Originally published as Elder Abuse Inquiry to conduct hearings in Wide Bay and Burnett