Date: 2008-05-16
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Senior Victorians need to be more aware of their consumer and legal rights, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said at today’s opening of the ‘Legal Essentials for Seniors’ information session. Hosted by the Law Institute of Victoria, the free seminar was part of Law Week 2008 and featured presenters from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
(Media-Newswire.com) - Senior Victorians need to be more aware of their consumer and legal rights, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said at today’s opening of the ‘Legal Essentials for Seniors’ information session.
Hosted by the Law Institute of Victoria, the free seminar was part of Law Week 2008 and featured presenters from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
The seminar focused on consumer and legal issues commonly faced in later life, including wills, owners corporations and retirement villages.
Mr Robinson said one of the most common issues faced by older consumers was pressure to assist family members financially.
“Older consumers can often be pressured by family members to take out a reverse mortgage, free up cash or act as guarantor for loans,” Mr Robinson said.
“The high rate of home ownership among senior consumers means many have significant financial assets which can sometimes lead to financial exploitation from some businesses or even from their own family.”
Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville said the Brumby Government viewed the protection of Senior Victorians as a priority.
“We are committed to supporting older Victorians in making important financial and personal decisions so they can enjoy their retirement without stress or concern,” Ms Neville said.
"I recently launched a $2.6 million elder abuse hotline 1300 368 821 which will provide free and confidential advice for older Victorians who may suffering abuse, mistreatment or neglect."
"This hotline will offer advice to older people who feel that they are being pressured to make financial decisions that are against their best interests.”
Mr Robinson said CAV offered a range of services for senior Victorians to help them make important financial and legal decisions about their retirement, accommodation and savings.
“CAV conducts regular free presentations to seniors groups on issues such as retirement village living, owners corporations, reverse mortgages, funerals, scams and itinerant traders. Information on all these issues is also available on the CAV website,” Mr Robinson said.
“Providing reliable and effective advice ensures older consumers are protected, confident and informed.”
Mr Robinson encouraged senior Victorians and their family members to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice on retirement villages, and any other consumer issues.
Consumer Affairs Victoria can be contacted by phoning 1300 55 81 81 or visiting www.consumer.vic.gov.au.