Possible $27m Case of Elder Abuse (QLD. AUSTRALIA)

10th August 2010

An elderly man with dementia remains in the care of those accused of fleecing $27 million from him as the State Government drags its heels.

The Noosa News reported in June that Roger Hack, 80, sold his farm on Noosa Hill for $27 million seven years ago but was now virtually bankrupt.

The whereabouts of the fortune is unknown after being weaved through a maze of trust funds and investments.

Mr Hack’s son, Richard, battled to have his father removed from those in charge of his money, and two months ago the case reached the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Mr Hack would be put in the care of the State Government, it ruled, away from those who had controlled his fantastic wealth.

But nine weeks later, nothing has changed and his family is desperate for action.

“The tribunal decided his care, with these people who have taken his money, was satisfactory until a better proposition was found,” Richard said.

“But these things have taken too long.”

Richard said the public trustee and Adult Guardian departments of the State Government were underfunded, understaffed and unable to move swiftly.

Now, backed by the state opposition, Richard has taken his battle to the Bligh government with LNP deputy leader Lawrence Springborg formally inquiring about how the government would protect its most vulnerable.

In a question on notice to Queensland Attorney General Cameron Dick, Mr Springborg asked:

“Why did it take more than six weeks for Mr Hack’s appointee from the Adult Guardian to pay him a visit?”

The Deputy Opposition Leader yesterday said the case could easily be one of elder abuse.

“Some nine weeks have passed since a QCAT decision awarded the Adult Guardian full personal guardianship of Mr Hack and Public Trustee full financial control, and little has been done to protect him,” Mr Springborg said.

“What I am concerned about is that Mr Hack has been allowed to return to living in the home owned by the people alleged to have stripped him of his millions.”

SOURCE:    The Noosa News
_________________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources