Congratulations to the Council of the Ageing NSW, Seniors Rights Service and other advocates for older people in NSW who have successfully won their campaign to extend funding for the Legal Pathways Program.

COTA NSW reports that they have been informed by the Minister for Seniors that the NSW Government will commit funding to allow the program to continue, following news earlier in the year that funding would be discontinued.

The Legal Pathways Program provides support and advice to vulnerable seniors at risk of financial abuse at a time when up to 14% of older people are estimated to experience elder abuse each year. The program assists older people in our community with documents including wills, ensuring power of attorney, and appointment of enduring guardianship.

It is critical to ensuring older Australians understand their legal rights and obligations and are protected against financial abuse or exploitation.

I thank all those solicitors who support the program across NSW and the extraordinary community advocates from COTA NSW, Legal Aid, the Law Society of NSW and the Seniors Rights Service who ensure the legal rights of older people in our community are protected and supported.