Diary 2020 Legal topics for older people - NSW Government
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Legal topics for older people Diary 2020
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS
Legal Aid NSW has produced This publication is a general guide to the FOREWORD BY THE NSW PREMIER 2
law. You should not rely on it as legal
this diary with funding assistance
and content contribution from
advice and we recommend that you talk to MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER ROBERT FITZGERALD 3
a lawyer about your situation.
the Department of Communities
At the time of printing, the information is
NSW AGEING STRATEGY – a message from the NSW Government 4
and Justice, Law Society of
correct, but it may change.
NSW, NSW Trustee & Guardian, CALENDARS 6
Legal Aid NSW 2019
Seniors Rights Service, Australian
Financial Complaints Authority You may copy, print, distribute, download
MY INFORMATION 8
and the Energy & Water or use this work for a non-profit purpose
MY IMPORTANT DATES 9
as long as the original meaning is kept and
Ombudsman NSW.
Legal Aid NSW is acknowledged as the
Cover artwork by owner. To reproduce or modify the work
WHERE TO GET LEGAL HELP 10
www.petercoadart.com.au for any other purpose, you need to request
permission from Legal Aid NSW.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 12
Graphic design by
www.leadinghand.com.au
JANUARY: Your rights as a consumer and scams 13
Published: November 2019 FEBRUARY: Discrimination: age and carers 28
MARCH: Wills and other ways to plan ahead 42
APRIL: Legal issues for Aboriginal older people 58
MAY: Facts about funerals 72
Produced by
JUNE: Elder abuse 86
JULY: Adult children and grandchildren 98
With support from
AUGUST: Family, finance and your home 112
SEPTEMBER: Your home: owning, renting and neighbours 126
OCTOBER: Your pension 138
NOVEMBER: Retirement villages and aged care 152
DECEMBER: On the road 168FOREWORD FROM THE NSW PREMIER A MESSAGE FROM ROBERT FITZGERALD AM,
GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN THE NSW AGEING AND DISABILITY COMMISSIONER.
I am very pleased to present the 2020 edition of the Legal Topics for It is an honor to be appointed as the first Ageing and Disability
Older People diary. Commissioner for NSW. This is an historic step taken by the NSW
government toward better protecting older people and adults with
Older people are a vital part of a thriving community. The NSW disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation in their home and within
Government is committed to ensuring that all older people in our state the community.
enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to and be included
The aim of the Ageing and Disability Commission is to promote the
in their communities. The information contained within this diary is a
rights of older people and adults with disability, and reduce harm
valuable resource.
caused to them by someone they know such as a friend, family
For the ninth year, Legal Aid NSW has produced an easy to use resource member or neighbour. Some examples of abuse and neglect include
of information to help you access services, understand your rights, family members demanding an early inheritance, cancelling needed
protect yourself and your family, and prosper in our community. It is no community services, even refusing to acknowledge an adult's choice or
wonder this is the most popular publication produced by Legal Aid NSW. decision they make in their life. My Commission also has the power to
take further action and investigate matters if there are concerns about
On behalf of the people of NSW, I offer my best wishes for a happy and an individual’s immediate welfare. The intention of an investigation is
healthy 2020. always to improve the safety of the adult, and uphold their rights.
If you have concerns about someone you know, or you need
information and support for yourself, we have made it easy to get in
touch. You can call the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
on 1800 628 221, or email nswadc@adc.nsw.gov.au anytime. I want
every older person and adult with disability to feel safe, respected and
dignified in their own home and community.
This diary is also a great resource that offers a range of information and
contact details that may be of use over the year.
Wishing you a safe and healthy 2020.
Gladys Berejiklian MP Robert Fitzgerald, AM.
NSW Premier Commissioner.
2 3NSW AGEING STRATEGY –
A MESSAGE FROM THE NSW GOVERNMENT
The vision of the NSW • Housing choices • Art and Dementia Program: You can read more about the
Government is that people in • Getting around being delivered by the Art Gallery strategy at www.facs.nsw.gov.
NSW experience the benefits of NSW for older people living au/inclusion/seniors/overview
of living longer and enjoy • Inclusive communities. with dementia and their care Easing the cost of living
opportunities to participate in, What are we doing? partners, to provide social and
contribute to and be included in cultural engagement and general The NSW Government is also
We continue to work with local working hard to ease cost of living
their communities. To support health and wellbeing
councils, the non-government pressures for seniors, and deliver
this vision, the NSW Government • Specialist multi-disciplinary
sector and the community to on its commitment to make the
developed the NSW Ageing service (lawyers and social
deliver on the strategy. The NSW Seniors Card program even
Strategy 2016–2020. workers) for vulnerable older
initiatives in the annual action better by increasing the number of
The NSW Government has made plans provide practical responses people: being established in businesses offering discounts and
strong progress in delivering the to the real health, employment, the Central Coast to provide providing greater value for Seniors
commitments under the strategy, housing, transport and community holistic services to older people Card holders in both metropolitan
including Grandparents Day, participation challenges and experiencing or at risk of abuse, and regional NSW.
Tech Savvy Seniors, the NSW opportunities that come with an with a focus on service provision
Seniors Card, the Elder Abuse ageing population. to older Aboriginal people. You can find out more about the
Helpline and Resource Unit, the NSW Seniors Card at
Initiatives include: The next NSW Ageing Strategy is www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au
Modified Sports Program, and the being developed. This will involve
Ministerial Advisory Council on • Art of Ageing: launch and tour or call 13 77 88.
extensive consultation to ensure
Ageing Media Awards. of the Art of Ageing photographic Seniors are also encouraged
it captures and responds to input
exhibition 2020, which celebrates to take advantage of the NSW
About the NSW Ageing from stakeholders, in particular
the value, experience and Government’s Cost of Living
Strategy the voices of seniors across NSW.
contribution of older people, and Service via Service NSW, which is
The strategy outlines the practical challenges outdated perceptions designed to improve access to and
steps we will take to respond to of ageing awareness of government rebates
the challenges and opportunities and refunds. You can access the
• Retirement Years research
of an ageing population. service at your local Service NSW
project: engaging with people
The strategy includes five of NSW who are planning for Centre, via a simple online process
priority areas: retirement or are retired to identify at www.service.nsw.gov.au or
• Health and wellbeing pain points in their experiences by calling 13 77 88.
and prioritise solutions for those
• Working and retiring
pain points
4 52019 CALENDAR 2020 CALENDAR
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 30 31 1
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 APRIL MAY JUNE
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
30 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
2021 CALENDAR
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 5 31 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 30 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
30 31 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31
27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31
6 7MY INFORMATION MY IMPORTANT DATES IN 2020
Name JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
Address
Telephone
Email
In case of emergency please notify
Name
Relationship to me Telephone
Doctor’s name APRIL MAY JUNE
Doctor’s telephone
Medical
Diabetes Yes No
Heart disease Yes No
High blood pressure Yes No
Other
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
Allergies
Medication(s)
Legal
I have a Will stored here
My executor is
My attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney is
Telephone OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
My appointed guardian is
Telephone
I have an advance care directive Yes No
Police and emergency Call 000
8 9WHERE TO GET HELP WITH A LEGAL PROBLEM
These services provide free, advice to people across NSW and
confidential legal help in NSW. representation in some cases.
To find a Legal Aid NSW advice Aboriginal
service call LawAccess NSW on Legal Service (NSW/ACT) The Law Society of New
1300 888 529 or visit The Aboriginal Legal Service South Wales
LawAccess NSW www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au (ALS) is an Aboriginal community The Law Society of NSW has
LawAccess NSW is a organisation that provides two services to help
government telephone service information, referrals, legal the community:
that provides free legal advice and court representation • T he Solicitor Referral Service
information, referrals and in to Aboriginal and Torres Strait can give you a list of three
some cases, advice for people Community Legal Islander people in criminal and private law firms near where
who have a legal problem in Centres (CLCs) family law and children’s care and you live that may be able
NSW. Call 1300 888 529 or Community Legal Centres (CLCs) protection matters. Visit www. to help you with your legal
visit www.lawaccess.nsw. are independent, not-for-profit alsnswact.org.au or call 1800 problem. Call 02 9926
gov.au community organisations that 765 767 for criminal law or 1800 0300 or email ereferral@
provide legal information, advice, 733 233 for family law or care
Community Justice Centres lawsociety.com.au
referrals and casework. CLCs and protection.
Legal problems don’t always • T he Pro Bono Scheme can
work for the public interest and
need legal solutions, nor do put you in touch with law
focus on disadvantaged people
they have to go to court. firms willing to provide their
in their communities. To find a
Community Justice Centres (CJC) legal services for free or for
CLC near you call LawAccess
offer free mediation services a reduced fee. Call 02 9926
NSW on 1300 888 529 or visit
to help people talk about the Find Legal Answers 0364 or visit https://www.
www.clcnsw.org.au
issues they are in dispute about at your public library lawsociety.com.au/for-the-
and negotiate solutions that Your local public library can public/pro-bono-scheme
everyone can live with. help you find easy to understand
Call 1800 990 777 or visit Seniors Rights Service information about the law.
www.cjc.justice.nsw.gov.au Seniors Rights Service provides Contact your local public library
free and confidential legal advice, or find legal information at
advocacy and rights-based www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.
education for older people. Call gov.au
Legal Aid NSW 1800 424 079 or visit www.
Legal Aid NSW provides free legal seniorsrightsservice.org.au
10 11QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE YOUR RIGHTS You can also find out more about
AS A CONSUMER telemarketers' obligations and
1800Respect (88) L LawAccess NSW (10, 58, 59, 102, 114, 129, 149)
how to make a complaint at
A Aboriginal Affairs (58) Law Handbook (128) AND SCAMS
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/Act) (11, 62) The Law Society Of NSW (11, 30, 147) www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline (3, 87) Legal Aid NSW (2, 10, 20, 46, 58, 59, 60, As a consumer it is important to —look under Buying products and
Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW (28) 61, 62, 65, 88, 98, 99, 100, 102, 113, 114,
Artist in The Black (60) 129, 140, 141, 169, 171) know your rights. Telemarketing, services > Guarantees, contracts
Local councils (4, 103, 163)
Assistive Technology Australia (77) online shopping and online and warranties > Unsolicited
Australian Competition and Consumer M MoneySmart (18, 24, 53, 60, 73, 157)
Commission (ACCC) (18) My Aged Care (30, 155, 157) banking have brought many consumer agreements.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
N National Dementia Helpline (85) benefits for consumers, but also
(15, 18, 88, 171, 172) Door to door sales
Australian Funeral Directors Association (74) National Desexing Network (103) some risks. Dodgy salespeople
Australian Human Rights Commission (28, National Redress Scheme (59, 124) Door-to-door salespeople must
46, 95, 154) No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) (21) and businesses may use email,
NSW Aboriginal Land Councils (61, 73) give you a 10 day 'cooling off'
Australian Taxation Office (17, 29)
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (101,
telephone, mail and door-to-
Australian Unity (156) period to cancel the contract if
126, 153) door sales to take advantage
B Best for Kids (102) NSW Department of Planning and you change your mind. If you
Beyond Blue (165) Environment (18) of you. They may also use
don’t want salespeople to visit
C Carer Gateway (30) NSW Fair Trading (14, 61, 74, 126, 128, high-pressure, misleading and
Carers NSW (30, 62) 129, 154, 157) your house you can display a
Cemetery and Crematoria Association NSW Industrial Relations (29, 31) confusing sales tactics to get
NSW Seniors Festival (36, 39) Do Not Knock sticker next to
of NSW (74)
NSW Trustee and Guardian (61)
you to sign contracts you don't
Community Justice Centres (10, 127, 153) your door or on the front gatepost
Community Legal Centres (10, 60) NSW Victims Services (73) understand. This means that you
Coroners Court (83) of your house. Salespeople can be
O Office of Environmental & Heritage (143) can be locked into contracts you
Council on the Ageing NSW (46, 102) fined if they refuse to leave your
D Department of Communities and Justice
P Planning Ahead Tools (46) can't pay for and may become
Public Guardian home if you ask them to or if they
(30, 62, 65, 99, 100, 101, 102) involved in legal action.
Department of Human Services (35, 105) R Retirement Village Residents Association ignore a Do Not Knock sticker.
(157)
Department of Social Services (45, 157)
Revenue NSW (168, 169, 172)
Telemarketers Find out how to get a sticker
Department of Veterans Affairs (158)
Do Not Call Register (13) Roads and Maritime Services (117, 171, 172) There are rules about how and or make a complaint at www.
RSPCA (103, 109)
E Emergency Accounts Payment Assistance (15) when telemarketers can contact donotknock.org.au or cut out
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (14, 18, S Scamwatch (19)
26, 60, 107) Seniors Rights Service (10, 89, 112, 114, you. You can find these rules the sign on page 183.
Environmental Protection Agency (129) 154, 158) at www.acma.gov.au under
Service NSW (5, 15, 74, 114, 117, 131, 171, 172) Electronic banking
F Fair Work Commission (28, 29) Speak My Language (39) Industryacma > Marketers > Do
Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (89) State Library of NSW – Find Legal Answers Never share your PIN or
Financial Counselling Australia (14) (11, 46, 128)
not call register > Telemarketing
Financial Rights Legal Centre (18, 19, 172) passwords with anyone. Keep
Sydney Homeless Connect (96) standard > Telemarketing rules. If
G Gambling Help (147) them in a safe place, separate
T Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (19) you don’t want telemarketers to
H Health Care Complaints Commission (15) Tenants NSW (128) from your debit or credit cards. If
Transport NSW (61, 175, 177) call you, you can add your number
Health NSW (31, 41) your debit or credit card is lost or
Housing NSW (128) W Welfare Rights Centre (141) to the Do Not Call Register.
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal stolen or if someone makes an
I Icare Workers Insurance (29)
Service (62, 89)
Call 1300 792 958 or visit
unauthorised online withdrawal
Women’s Domestic Violence Court www.donotcall.gov.au
Advocacy Service (88) from your account, tell your bank
12 13immediately. Most banks will not must give you time to pay and are not resolved, you can contact
make you pay for unauthorised offer you a payment plan. If you DID YOU KNOW? the Health Care Complaints
transactions that happen after are having difficulty paying, they The Energy Accounts Commission (HCCC). The HCCC
you have notified them—as long must offer to refer you to their Payment Assistance (EAPA) is an independent body that deals
as you didn't contribute to the hardship program for support. Scheme helps people who with complaints about health
theft, for example, by telling Talk to your energy or water have trouble paying their services in NSW. Call 1800 043 159
someone your PIN or password. provider as soon as you have a electricity or gas bill because of or visit www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
Goods and services problem to avoid disconnection. a crisis or in an emergency. Visit National Disability Insurance
When you buy goods they come If you are having difficulties with energysaver.nsw.gov.au Scheme (NDIS)
with a guarantee that they will be your energy or water provider and search for EAPA, or call If you are in the National
of acceptable quality. This means contact the Energy & Water Service NSW on 13 77 88 to Disability Insurance Scheme
they must be safe, free of faults Ombudsman NSW (EWON). find out more. (NDIS) you should have access
and do all the things you would Call 1800 246 545 or visit to supports you need—like
normally expect them to do. www.ewon.com.au Insurance transport, equipment and linking
EWON offers a free, fair and If your insurance company you and your family with support
Services you buy must be rejects your claim, there are
provided with acceptable care independent dispute Services. If you are not happy with
resolution service. things you can do. You can ask the quality or safety of the services
and skill, give the results that for an internal review of the
you and the business agreed to Financial hardship you are receiving, or the quality
decision. If you are still unhappy of the goods you purchased, you
and be delivered in a reasonable If you can’t pay your bills you may with their decision, you can make
time. If they don't, you may have be experiencing financial hardship. can make a complaint. You can
a complaint to the Australian complain directly to your service
a right to have the thing you Rather than taking out a high Financial Complaints Authority
bought repaired or replaced, get cost loan—often called 'payday provider. If that doesn’t fix your
(AFCA). Call 1800 931 678 or visit complaint, you can complain to
a refund, cancel the contract loans’—you can ask your bank www.afca.org.au
or get compensation. You can and utility provider for a hardship the NDIS Quality and Safeguards
contact NSW Fair Trading arrangement to pay off your bills. Insurers shouldn't make you pay Commission (NQSC).
for help. Call 13 32 20 or visit You can also get free help through your excess upfront if you can't Call 1800 035 544 or visit
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au Financial Counselling Australia. afford it. If this happens to you, www.ndiscommission.gov.au/
Call 1800 007 007 or visit ask to speak to your insurer's participants/complaints.
Gas, electricity and water financial hardship section. The NSW Office of Fair Trading
providers www.financialcounselling
australia.org.au may also be able to help you
Energy & water providers must Health care
if you have a complaint about
send you a Customer Charter If you have concerns about your
goods or services you bought
that explains your rights and doctor or other health care
through the NDIS. Visit
responsibilities. All energy retailers professional’s practice, you should
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
talk to them first. If your concerns
14 15Scams easy money. Don’t be pressured
Scams are designed to trick or into anything. Do your own RECENT SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR
persuade you to give away your research on a company and get If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the Australian
personal details or your money. independent advice before you Taxation Office accusing you of tax fraud, or claiming to be from
They can be done by phone, accept an offer. the Commonwealth DPP telling you about an arrest warrant, it
mail, in person and online. Dating and romance scams could be a scam. Don’t give them your details, just hang up.
The internet has given new life to These usually happen on official Also, watch out for calls from people who want to talk to you
old scams and created new ones. dating or social networking about binary options trading, or who ask you to pay things like
Anyone can be the victim of a websites where scammers taxes, hospital or utility bills or bail money with an iTunes gift
scam, but some scams target create fake profiles to take card. The scammer will ask you to pay by telling them the 16-digit
older people because they advantage of people looking code on the back of the card. If you do your money will be gone
tend to have more savings, for companionship. They play and you will never get it back.
or scammers see them as less on your emotions and put Watch out for scammers pretending to be from the NBN. They
internet savvy. You can protect time and effort into gaining try to con victims out of their money and personal information by
yourself from scams. A good your trust before asking for ‘connecting’ victims to the NBN network for a low price, and often
rule of thumb is: ‘if it sounds too money. They will often pretend demand that you pay with an iTunes gift card.
good to be true—it probably is’. the money is for a personal or
Also be cautious of missed calls from international numbers
Investment scams family emergency. Never send you do not recognise. It may be a scammer hoping you will call
These scams try to seduce money, credit card details or back and keep you on the line for a long time charging your call
you with a ‘not-to-be-missed’ online account details to anyone at a premium rate. If you get a missed call from an international
financial opportunity. The you don’t know or trust, no number and don't recognise the number, just ignore it.
scammer might claim to be matter how you feel about
a stock broker or portfolio them. Be careful about how Scammers want you to send bank asking you to click on a
manager. They usually offer much personal information you personal information or pay link to reset a password or a
a low-risk opportunity with share online. Scammers use an upfront fee before you can trusted organisation calling to
high financial returns and information and pictures to claim an inheritance, travel prize, verify customer information.
may encourage you to invest target you with scams or even lottery win, shopping voucher or Don’t respond or attempt to
overseas. The offers look like blackmail you if you have shared compensation money. unsubscribe, and don’t click on
the real thing, with professional personal pictures or videos. any links or call a phone
They also use phishing messages
looking emails and websites. Spam mail and phishing to try to get your bank account number. The best thing to do is
They may give you logins to Spam is electronic junk mail— numbers and passwords and delete it. If you are not sure
view fake investment balances like an unexpected email, usually pretend to come from who is calling you, use publicly
and growing returns. Be SMS text or messaging app legitimate businesses—like your available information to call them
suspicious of anyone offering promising money and prizes. back instead.
16 17Where to find Credit and Debt Hotline credit cards and Cyber Issue Reporting System
more information Provides financial counselling short-term finance is an online system to securely
information, advice and referral • d
enial of an insurance claim report cybercrime. Visit
Seniors Guide to consumer services to consumers on credit, www.cyber.gov.au
rights in NSW is a free (such as car, home and
debt and banking issues. Call contents, pet, travel, Australian Communications
publication to help you with 1800 007 007 or visit
consumer issues. Download income protection and and Media Authority enforces
www.financialrights.org.au trauma insurance) Australia’s anti-spam laws. For
or order a copy at www.
fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or Energy & Water Ombudsman • i nappropriate investment more tips on how to protect
call 13 32 20. NSW (EWON) advice yourself and to report spam call
EWON offers a free, fair and 1300 850 115 or visit
The little black book of scams independent dispute resolution • s uperannuation trustee’s www.acma.gov.au
Download or order it at service for all residential and decision about the
www.accc.gov.au or call distribution of a benefit. Stay Smart Online has simple
small business energy customers advice on how to keep your
1300 302 502. in NSW and some water Call 1800 931 678 or visit computer secure and protect
NSW Department of Planning providers. Contact EWON on www.afca.org.au your personal information while
and Environment has 1800 246 545 or visit you are online. Visit
Telecommunications Industry
information about customer’s www.ewon.com.au www.staysmartonline.gov.au
Ombudsman (TIO)
rights, understanding energy Australian Financial
bills, getting financial help with
A free dispute resolution service Where to find
Complaints Authority (AFCA) for small business and residential
energy bills, energy rebates and legal help
AFCA is a free independent customers who have a complaint
reducing your energy costs. See pages 10 and 11 for
external dispute resolution about their telephone or internet
Visit energysaver.nsw.gov.au where to get legal help.
scheme. AFCA offers individuals service. Call 1800 062 058 or
MoneySmart and small businesses a free, fair visit www.tio.com.au These specialist legal services can
A government website with and flexible solution for resolving also help you:
Scamwatch has information
information about investment, complaints about financial The Financial Rights
about how to recognise, avoid
superannuation, managed funds, products and services. Legal Centre
and report all types of scams.
financial advice and insurance A community legal centre that
AFCA can deal with financial For more information visit
scams, as well as other types specialises in in the areas of
problems such as: www.scamwatch.gov.au
of scams and what to do if you consumer credit, banking, debt
have been scammed. • e rrors in everyday Australian Tax Office (ATO)
recovery and insurance. It also
Call 1300 300 630 or visit banking transactions has information on tax scams. offers advice and advocacy for
www.moneysmart.gov.au and default listings You can also verify and report tax people in financial stress.
scams to the ATO. Call 1800 008 Call 1800 007 007 or visit
• difficulty repaying loans, 540 or visit www.ato.gov.au www.financialrights.org.au
18 19School Holidays School Holidays
DEC – JANUARY 2020 JANUARY 2020
30 3
MONDAY DID YOU KNOW? FRIDAY
Legal Aid NSW has podcasts
that you might like to listen to.
If you’re interested in stories
about the inspiring work
Legal Aid NSW lawyers
31 do in our community, visit
legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
4
TUESDAY SATURDAY
what-we-do/its-what-we-
New Year’s Eve stand-for
If you are a community
worker, or assist people in
your community, listen to Law
for Community Workers on
1 the go here: legalaidnswcle.
podbean.com
WEDNESDAY
New Year’s Day
5 DID YOU KNOW?
SUNDAY If you are on Centrelink or
a low income you may be
able to get a no interest
2 loan from the No Interest
Loans Scheme (NILS) to
THURSDAY
pay for essential goods and
services—such as fridges,
washing machines or car
repairs. Call 13 64 57 or visit
www.nils.com.au
20 21School Holidays School Holidays
JANUARY 2020 JANUARY 2020
6 10
MONDAY FRIDAY
7 11
TUESDAY SATURDAY
8 DID YOU KNOW?
WEDNESDAY There are many computer
clubs and training courses
for seniors across NSW. They
12 encourage and educate seniors
SUNDAY to use and explore computer
technology. Visit
www.ascca.org.au
9 The Tech Savvy Seniors
THURSDAY program offers low cost or
free training so older people
can learn to use computers,
tablets and smart phones.
Visit www.telstra.com.au/
tech-savvy-seniors
22 23School Holidays School Holidays
JANUARY 2020 JANUARY 2020
13 17
MONDAY FRIDAY
14 18
TUESDAY SATURDAY
15
WEDNESDAY
DID YOU KNOW? 19
You can try to find lost or SUNDAY
unclaimed money from
bank accounts, life insurance
16 policies, superannuation,
THURSDAY company shares, salaries
and wages, rent and rental Creativity is intelligence
bonds, trust money, royalties, having fun.
and other money held by
– Albert Einstein
the government at www.
moneysmart.gov.au
24 25School Holidays School Holidays
JANUARY 2020 JANUARY 2020
20 24
MONDAY FRIDAY
International Day of Education
21 25
TUESDAY SATURDAY
DID YOU KNOW?
Clothes dryers, heaters and air
conditioners use more power
in winter and energy bills can
come as a shock. For tips on
22 how to save energy and water
WEDNESDAY visit the Energy & Water
Ombudsman NSW website
at www.ewon.com.au
The Office of Environment 26
& Heritage also has an SUNDAY
Appliance Replacement Australia Day / Yabun Festival
Offer program. You may be On this day in history...
23 able save money on bills by January 27 (1756) – Mozart is born
THURSDAY replacing old fridges and TVs.
Visit energysaver.nsw.gov.
au/households/rebates- Green Tip
and-discounts/appliance-
Sell or donate old furniture.
replacement-offer for more
Try your local charity store.
information.
26 27DISCRIMINATION: but if they keep asking you and Where to find
AGE AND CARERS pressuring you to retire this could more information DID YOU KNOW?
amount to age discrimination. If you can’t do your normal
Age Discrimination You can get more information
Carer’s discrimination job because you are injured
It is unlawful for someone about discrimination and how to
at work, or for some other
to be treated less favourably A carer is a person who provides make a complaint from the:
reason, but you want to keep
than others because of their unpaid personal care, support and • A
ustralian Human working, you should talk to a
age in most areas of public assistance to another person who Rights Commission private lawyer who specialises
life. This includes employment, needs support because they are
Call 02 9284 9600 or in workers compensation law.
accommodation and the frail and aged.
1300 369 711 or visit
You can also get more
provision of goods and services. It is unlawful for employers to treat www.humanrights.gov.au
information about making a
Sometimes the unfair treatment an employee unfairly because they
• A
nti-Discrimination workers compensation claim if
is obvious, for example if you have carer responsibilities. Your
Board of NSW you are injured at work from
apply for a job and are told that conditions at work should not be
Call 02 9268 5544 or icare workers insurance.
you are too old to be considered any worse because of a carer’s
1800 670 812 or visit Call 13 44 22 or visit
even though you have the skills. responsibilities if you can do all the
www.antidiscrimination. www.icare.nsw.gov.au
But sometimes the discrimination essential tasks required by the job.
justice.nsw.gov.au
is less obvious. A rule or policy A carer who has been employed for
• F air Work Commission
may look fair because it applies at least 12 months has a right to ask
Call 1300 799 675 or visit DID YOU KNOW?
to everybody but in practice it their employer for flexible working
www.fwc.gov.au If you earn over $450 per
has an unfair or unreasonable arrangements in order to allow
effect on older people. For them to perform their carer’s role. Fair Work Ombudsman month your employer should
example, an employer might Can give you information and pay superannuation for any
What can you do about work that you do. If you
ask all employees pass a fitness advice about your workplace rights
discrimination? are not sure whether your
test, but the level of fitness and obligations. Call 13 13 94 or
they require is not necessary You can make a complaint visit www.fairwork.gov.au employer has paid your
for the job. This would unfairly about discrimination on the superannuation, you can
grounds of age or being a carer NSW Industrial Relations
disadvantage older people. This check with the Australian
to the Australian Human For information about conditions
is called indirect discrimination. Taxation Office. You
Rights Commission, the Anti- of employment (like pay, leave,
can also use their online
Compulsory retirement at 65 years Discrimination Board of NSW workplace flexibility, starting or
superannuation guarantee
was abolished many years ago. or Fair Work Commission. Strict leaving work). Call 131 628 or
contributions calculator.
Employers can no longer force a time limits apply, so you should visit www.industrialrelations.
Call 13 10 20 or visit
person to retire. They may be able talk to a lawyer if you have nsw.gov.au
www.ato.gov.au
to ask you when you intend retiring concerns about your situation.
28 29Carer Gateway Where to find
An online and phone service that legal help DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?
provides practical information If you retire, your employer Transport for Health
and resources for carers. The See pages 10 and 11 for
should pay you any money provides transport and travel
interactive service finder helps where to get legal help.
they owe you for wages, help for people who can’t
carers connect to local support These specialist legal services can bonuses and commissions use or have difficulty using
services. Call 1800 422 737 or visit also help you: that you have earned. They public transport or who are
www.carergateway.gov.au should also pay you for any disadvantaged by distance.
Private lawyers
Carers NSW The Law Society of NSW’s Solicitor unused annual leave, but The Isolated Patients Travel
Provides information, support Referral Service can refer you to a they don’t have to pay you and Accommodation
and counselling for carers. It private lawyer who specialises in for unused sick leave. Assistance Scheme
has an Aboriginal and Torres workers compensation. If you were employed for (IPTAAS) can help with travel
Strait Islander Carer Program, Call 02 9926 0300 or email over ten years they should and accommodation costs
and information to help carers ereferral@lawsociety.com.au also pay you your long if someone needs to get
better understand the National service leave. If you were specialist treatment. Call 1800
Disability Insurance Scheme employed for more than five 478 227 or visit
(NDIS). Call 9280 4744 or years and you resigned for www.health.nsw.gov.au
1800 242 636 or visit medical reasons or a reason and search for
www.carersnsw.org.au Transport for health.
called a ‘domestic or other
Department of Communities pressing necessity’, you may
and Justice (DCJ formerly FACS) be able to be paid some of
You can find information and your long service leave. To
resources for carers in the find out if you have worked
individual, family and carers long enough to get long
section on the website. Visit service leave contact NSW
www.facs.nsw.gov.au/ Industrial Relations.
inclusion/carers Call 131 628 or visit
My Aged Care www.industrialrelations.
The website has a section on nsw.gov.au
caring for someone, with links to
useful information, resources and
services. Call 1800 200 422 or
visit www.myagedcare.gov.au/
caring-someone
30 31School Holidays School Holidays
JANUARY 2020 (Western Division NSW) JAN – FEB 2020 (Western Division NSW)
27 31
MONDAY FRIDAY
Australia Day public holiday
28 1
TUESDAY SATURDAY
On this day in history...
February 1 (1984) – Medicare is established
29
WEDNESDAY
2 DID YOU KNOW?
SUNDAY You can stop working
whenever you want to,
as long as you give your
30 employer notice of your
THURSDAY decision to resign. If you are
not sure how much notice
you need to give you can ask
the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Call 13 13 94 or visit
www.fairwork.gov.au
32 33FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020
3 7
MONDAY FRIDAY
4 8
TUESDAY SATURDAY
Chinese New Year
5
WEDNESDAY
9 DID YOU KNOW?
SUNDAY There are payments you can
get if you are a full-time carer
and can’t work because of
6 your caring responsibilities.
You can find information
THURSDAY
about payments and what
other help is available for
carers from the Department
of Human Services. Visit
www.humanservices.gov.au
34 35FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020
10 NSW Seniors Festival is the
largest festival for seniors in
14
MONDAY FRIDAY
the Southern Hemisphere.
www.seniorsfestival.nsw.
gov.au
11 15
TUESDAY SATURDAY
International Day of Woman and Girls in Science
12
WEDNESDAY
NSW Seniors Festival starts
16 Green Tip
SUNDAY
When packing things
Sydney Gay and Lesbian for travel or storage, use
Mardi Gras starts
13 removalists who provide re-
usable packing crates instead
THURSDAY of single use cardboard
boxes and wrap precious
items in old newspaper or
towels and blankets instead
of bubble wrap.
36 37FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020
17 21
MONDAY FRIDAY
18 22
TUESDAY SATURDAY
19 DID YOU KNOW?
WEDNESDAY Speak My Language is a
radio language program that
has information about healthy
23 ageing for culturally and
SUNDAY linguistically diverse seniors
NSW Seniors Festival ends and their carers. Tune in and
listen to your favourite ethnic
20 radio stations as they speak
THURSDAY to aged care experts and hear
from families who share their
stories and their secret to
ageing well in Australia. Visit
www.speakmylanguage
radio.com
38 39FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY – MARCH 2020
24 28
MONDAY FRIDAY
25 29
TUESDAY SATURDAY
26
WEDNESDAY
Lent begins (ends Thursday 9 April)
DID YOU KNOW?
1 The Advance Care
SUNDAY Planning Workbook can
First day of Autumn help you think about what
Clean the filters in your air health care decisions you
27 conditioner and check your fire may need to make and
THURSDAY alarm batteries how to discuss your wishes
with your carers, family
and health care teams.
Visit www.cclhd.health.
nsw.gov.au and search for
Advance Care Planning.
40 41WILLS AND What does it cost to charge fees to administer your • b
uy or sell assets—people
OTHER WAYS make a Will? estate when you die. often leave assets to someone
Solicitors' fees vary and can in their Will and then sell them
TO PLAN AHEAD depend on how complex the
How often should I review
before they die. This could
my Will?
Wills Will is. It is a good idea to shop mean that some beneficiaries
Your Will expresses your wishes
A Will is a legal document that around and compare fees. receive nothing, while others
at a particular point in time. You
sets out how you want your get more than you intended.
NSW Trustee & Guardian should review your Will regularly
assets—called your estate—to
can prepare your Will for a fee to make sure it accurately reflects What will happen if I die
be distributed after you die. This
of $330. You can have your Will your current wishes. without a Will?
can include real estate, artwork,
and Power of Attorney prepared You may want to update your If you die without a Will this is
money and even items of
together for a fee of $440 (a Will when: called dying ‘intestate’. If you die
sentimental value that you want
discount of $110). Call NSW Trustee intestate you lose the opportunity
to give someone. You can also • y our relationship status
& Guardian on 1300 364 103 or to have a say in how you want
say in your Will who you want to changes
visit www.tag.nsw.gov.au your assets and sentimental items
care for your pet and what kind of
funeral you want. They will prepare your Will and • y ou welcome children or to be distributed. Your estate
Power of Attorney for free if you grandchildren into your family will be distributed according to a
You must appoint an executor formula set out by the intestacy
are eligible for a full Centrelink Age • y our executor becomes
in your Will. Your executor is laws and people may miss out or
Pension. They will also prepare ill, is unable to handle the
responsible for making sure that not get what you intended them
it for free if you are receiving responsibility or dies
your estate is distributed as set to have. It is better to plan ahead
another government benefit, such
out in your Will. It is important to • a beneficiary named in the and have a valid and up-to-date
as a Department of Veterans'
choose an executor who has the Will dies Will in place.
Affairs Pension, but would be
financial and taxation skills to carry • your partner or spouse dies
eligible for a full Centrelink Age Other ways to plan ahead
out the role.
Pension if you weren’t receiving • y ou want to change the What would happen to your
How do I make a Will? that other benefit. amount of money you left personal, financial and business
Do-it-yourself Will kits are someone when you made affairs if you were no longer able
If you are updating a Will or
available, but it is best to talk to a your last Will to make decisions for yourself
Power of Attorney you have made
professional to make sure your Will because of illness or injury?
before with a NSW Trustee & • y ou retire—retirement is
is legally valid and reflects your
Guardian you will get a discount. a good time to do your If you don't have planning ahead
wishes. A Will must follow strict
legal requirements and be properly If you choose a professional estate planning and possibly documents in place and you lose
signed and witnessed. A solicitor executor, such as a solicitor or look at setting up tax the capacity to make decisions
or NSW Trustee & Guardian can NSW Trustee & Guardian, to be effective arrangements for yourself, your family and
help you make your Will. executor of your Will, they will through your Will friends may not know what
42 43you would have wanted to do a person or organisation you Guardianship, there is no and you should get specialist legal
about your financial, health, and choose to make decisions for you standard form you need to use advice about your options.
lifestyle needs. They may have about property, financial and for an advance care directive.
The Department of Social
difficulty paying bills from your legal affairs—like managing your You can find links to some tools
Services has produced two
bank account. If a decision needs bank accounts, paying bills, and that may help you at www.
booklets to help families plan for
to be made about selling your buying or selling property. planningaheadtools.com.au
the future care of family members
home to pay for you to move What is an Planning for retirement with high support needs, and
into residential aged care or a enduring guardian? Because we are living longer and explains how they can use Special
home that is more suitable for An enduring guardian is someone healthier lives, many of us will Disability Trusts to look after
you, they would have to go you appoint to make personal have a longer retirement too. them financially. Download the
to a court or tribunal to have and lifestyle decisions for you— Planning for the future should Planning for the Future: People
someone appointed to make like where you live, which doctor also involve taking stock of your with disability and Special
decisions for you. you go to, what medical or dental financial situation and thinking Disability Trusts: Getting
People you have not chosen treatment and other services you about your income sources after things sorted booklets at www.
could end up managing your get. It only covers decisions about you retire—such as the age dss.gov.au/disability-and-
money or making decisions for lifestyle and health. A Power pension, superannuation, savings, carers/publications-articles or
you. They could decide where of Attorney covers legal and and investments. The earlier you call 1300 653 227.
you live, what happens to your financial decisions. prepare for retirement, the more
Organ donation
home, if you are placed in aged What is an advance control you will have over your
You can donate some of your
care or what medical treatment care directive? options. However, it is never too
you receive. organs and tissue after you die,
An advance care directive records late to plan. It is a good idea to
but you should tell your family and
However, you can plan your instructions for doctors and talk to an expert about financial
other people close to you because
ahead while you're fit and health care workers about the and retirement planning.
they will need to agree to it before
healthy by deciding who you treatment you want or don't Planning for children it can happen. Even if you have
would like to make decisions for want in the future. It's a good with disability aIready recorded your donation
you. You can do this by making idea to discuss your wishes about Families of people with disability, wishes somewhere else—for
a Will and two other documents your future health care with especially older parents, often example by ticking a box on a
called an Enduring Power your doctor, family, friends and worry about what will happen driver licence renewal form—you
of Attorney and Enduring enduring guardian, so if the time to their child when they are no can register as a donor through
Guardianship appointment. comes when they need to make longer able to care for them. You the National Organ Donor
decisions for you, they will know
What is an Enduring Power can use your Will to make sure Register. You can cancel or
what you would have wanted.
of Attorney? your child will be looked after change your decision at any time.
An Enduring Power of Attorney Unlike an Enduring Power when you die, often by setting Call 1800 777 203 or visit
is a legal document that appoints of Attorney and Enduring up a trust. This is a complex area www.humanservices.gov.au
44 45Where to find Legal Aid NSW NSW Trustee & Guardian
more information Legal Aid NSW has a number Prepares Wills, Powers of DID YOU KNOW?
of brochures on Wills and Attorney, Trusts and Enduring NSW Trustee & Guardian
The Planning Ahead Tools planning ahead. Guardianship documents. offer a Will Safe storage
website has information, tools You can also appoint NSW
• W
ho will decide for you service where you can store
and resources about Wills, Trustee & Guardian as your
if you can't decide for up to 3 documents for $49.
Powers of Attorney, Enduring independent executor and
yourself? You can be rest assured
Guardianship and advance care attorney. your documents are stored
planning in NSW. Visit www. • S
peaking for myself:
Call 1300 364 103 or visit securely and are easy to
planningaheadtools.com.au planning ahead for later
www.tag.nsw.gov.au for retrieve when you need to.
Your Rights at Retirement: A life decision making.
the full range of services and NSW Seniors Card holders
guide to making decisions and • Why make a Will? brochures, or to locate your can store up to 3 documents
navigating your entitlements nearest branch. at the discounted rate of $29.
Download copies or order free
in later life is produced by Call 1300 364 103 or visit
printed copies at www.legalaid. You can also start your Will or
the Australian Human Rights www.tag.nsw.gov.au
nsw.gov.au/publications or Power of Attorney online with
Commission. It can help you think
call 02 9219 5028. NSW Trustee & Guardian. Visit
about the decisions you should
be making for the future, from Rest assured: a legal guide www.tag.nsw.gov.au/portal Where to find
setting up a retirement budget to to Wills, estates and funerals Private Guardian Support Unit
legal help
options for aged care. Download in NSW. Provides a free and confidential See pages 10 and 11 for
it at www.humanrights.gov.au Get it at your local library or visit service to help legally appointed where to get legal help.
or call 02 9284 9600. www.legalanswers.sl.nsw. guardians in their role. Call 02 These specialist legal services can
The Representing Yourself gov.au 8688 6060 or 1800 451 510 or also help you:
section at www.lawaccess.nsw. visit www.publicguardian.
Legal Pathways (Council on Private lawyers
gov.au has practical self-help justice.nsw.gov.au
the Ageing NSW) The Law Society of NSW Solicitor
information about how to deal Prepares Wills, Enduring Power Referral Service can refer you to a
with an estate after someone of Attorney and Guardianship private lawyer who can do your
dies. It includes information about documents for people on the age Will for you. Call 02 9926 0300 or
funerals, gathering information pension. To make a booking call 1800 422 713 or
about the estate, applying for 02 9286 3860 or 1800 449 102 www.ereferral@lawsociety.
probate and administration, or visit www.cotansw.com.au com.au or lawsociety.com.au
distributing the estate family for more information.
provision claims and more.
46 47PLANNING AHEAD CHECKLIST NOTES
Think about these things when Do you have any specific
planning ahead: directions you would like to give
your guardian?
Your Will
Arrange for you and your
What assets do you have?— guardian to sign the Enduring
for example, property, Guardianship document before
superannuation and investments
a specially qualified witness
Who are your beneficiaries?—
the people who will receive your Advance Care Planning
assets and Directives
What specific gifts you want to Discuss your future health and
make medical care wishes with your
family and doctor
Who should be your executor?
Ask your doctor to document
What funeral arrangements do your Advance Care Plan in your
you want? medical records
Who should look after your pets? Write down any specific health
Enduring Power of Attorney care wishes you may have about
your treatment
Who should be your attorney?
—they will make property and Storage of your planning
financial decisions for you ahead documents
Arrange to sign your Power Decide where to store your
of Attorney before a specially planning ahead documents.
qualified witness and have your Visit www.tag.nsw.gov.au/
attorney accept the appointment willsafe for more information.
Enduring Guardianship Advise loved ones of their
location so they can be
Who should be your easily found.
guardian?—the person who will
make your health and lifestyle
decisions
What decisions will your
guardian make for you?
48 49MARCH 2020 MARCH 2020
2 6
MONDAY FRIDAY
3 7
TUESDAY SATURDAY
4
WEDNESDAY
DID YOU KNOW?
8 If your partner or someone
SUNDAY else you were financially
International Women's Day dependent on died without
leaving enough for you in
5 their Will, you may be able to
make a Family Provision Claim
THURSDAY
in the Supreme Court. You
must make the claim within
12 months of the date of the
person’s death and you should
get legal advice first.
50 51MARCH 2020 MARCH 2020
9 13
MONDAY FRIDAY
10 14
TUESDAY SATURDAY
11
WEDNESDAY
15
SUNDAY
DID YOU KNOW?
The MoneySmart website has
12 information about financial
THURSDAY abuse warning signs, elder
financial abuse and where to
get help and support.
Visit www.moneysmart.
gov.au/life-events-and-you/
families/financial-abuse
52 53MARCH 2020 MARCH 2020
16 20
MONDAY FRIDAY
17 21
TUESDAY SATURDAY
Harmony Day
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
18
WEDNESDAY
22
SUNDAY
19
THURSDAY Green Tip
On this day in history...
Switch to bamboo
March 19 (1932) – The Sydney Harbour Bridge opens
toothbrushes and help
reduce the amount of
plastic going to landfill.
54 55MARCH 2020 MARCH 2020
23 27
MONDAY FRIDAY
24 28
TUESDAY SATURDAY
25
WEDNESDAY
DID YOU KNOW?
29 You can leave instructions in
SUNDAY your Will for your executor to
deal with your digital assets
after you die – like social media
26 accounts, loyalty programs
THURSDAY (e.g. frequent flyer points) or
online businesses. To learn
about planning for your digital
assets, visit www.tag.nsw.
gov.au to view a free webinar,
or call 1300 364 103.
56 57LEGAL ISSUES You could get: The lawyer can also tell you You can call:
FOR ABORIGINAL • a payment of $75,000 about other things you might
• the National Redress Scheme
need to think about. For
OLDER PEOPLE • $
7,000 to help pay for your example, if you have any debts
on 1800 737 377 for more
funeral costs. information
Older Aboriginal people have the or fines you should speak to a
same issues as any other older lawyer before you apply. • Knowmore on 1800 605
How can I apply?
person. But some issues may 762 for free, confidential,
To get the application form: Payments for sexual
affect Aboriginal older people independent and culturally
• c all Aboriginal Affairs on abuse survivors
more than other older people appropriate advice.
Because of the Royal
because of history, culture 1800 019 998. They can send it
Commission into Institutional You can get this compensation
and the disadvantage some to you and help you fill it out, or
Responses to Child Sexual Abuse as well as any Stolen Generations
Aboriginal people may face in • d
ownload it at there is now a National Redress payment you get.
many areas of life. This topic www.aboriginalaffairs. Scheme for some people to get
covers some of the main things Addition compensation
nsw.gov.au/healing- compensation. The scheme will
it is good for older Aboriginal You may be able to get extra
and-reparations/stolen- finish on 30 June 2027.
people to know about. compensation if you suffered
generations/reparations-
You can apply to the National harm after you were removed.
Reparations for Stolen scheme
Redress Scheme for counselling,
Generations survivors Private lawyers are helping some
payments (between $10,000 and
The NSW Stolen Generations Where to find more $150,000) and an apology if:
people get compensation from
Reparations Scheme started on help about the Stolen the NSW government. They can
1 July 2017 and finishes on 30 Generations scheme? • you were sexually abused tell you if you have a case. The
June 2022. Reparations are a when you were under 18 amount of money you may get
Talk to a lawyer at Legal Aid
payment from the government years and depends on the injury you suffered
NSW or your local Community
to recognise the hurt caused it happened before 1 July and what evidence you have.
Legal Centre. This is free and
when you were forcibly confidential. Legal Aid NSW 2018, and A lawyer at Legal Aid NSW or
removed from your natural Lawyers can help you apply. an institution was your local Community Legal
family and community. responsible for bringing Centre can help you find the
You can call:
You can get reparations if before you into contact with the right private law firm. This is free
• L awAccess NSW to find your person who abused you and confidential.
2 June 1969 you:
local Community Legal Centre
• were removed by, or on 1300 888 529, or • you were born before 30 June You can call:
2010, and • L awAccess NSW to find your
• c ame under the care of, the • L egal Aid NSW on
Aborigines Protection or 1800 793 017 • you are an Australian citizen local Community Legal Centre
Welfare Boards. or permanent resident. on 1300 888 529
58 59You can also read
