New laws to protect the most vulnerable members of Canberra’s community have been passed in the Legislative Assembly.
Describing the laws as an “Australian first’ Attorney-General and Minister for Seniors, Gordon Ramsay said they were an important part of the Territory’s commitment to make Canberra an age-friendly and inclusive city.
“Under the new laws, both institutions and individuals who abuse or neglect vulnerable people in their care, will be committing an offence,” Mr Ramsay said.
“In addition, those in a position of authority at an institution who become aware a vulnerable person in their care is at serious risk, must take steps to protect the person from that risk,” he said.
“Failure to do so will be an offence.”
He said research revealed that older people and people with disability experience abuse at higher rates than adults without those vulnerabilities, and the abuse is most likely to be perpetrated by someone they know.
“This is not acceptable.”
Mr Ramsay said the changes would complement existing measures already in place to protect vulnerable people in the ACT.
“Vulnerable Canberrans have the right to live safe lives, free from neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation,” he said.
The Minister said the new laws also introduced a sentencing consideration for the Court to take into account when the victim of an offence was a vulnerable person.
