Under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 passed in Parliament 22 April people can now virtually sign and witness of documents such as wills, general powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney, advance health directives, statutory declarations, deeds and many other types of documents.
The Bill addresses the statutory requirements of signatories to be present or attend a place using video conferencing.
Our Chief Executive, Mark Tucker-Evans, has said that “It is important that people can continue to plan for their futures, in the safest way possible. This is a great step forward.”
However, Mark has also expressed concerns that this also presents a possible risk for elder abuse.
Through our past community education program ‘Planning Ahead: Let’s Talk Enduring Powers of Attorney’, we have assisted people to think through who you would choose to manage your financial, personal, and health matters should you be unable to act yourself. We encourage people looking to undertake future planning to take great care in these decisions and to seek independent advice.
If you are experiencing, or suspect someone is experiencing elder abuse phone the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit on 1300 651 192.
