Daughter loses control of dementia mother's finances after exploitation case
A tribunal removed a woman's power of attorney. She had misused her dementia mother's bank card.
A Tasmanian tribunal removed power of attorney from a woman who had spent her dementia mother's money on personal expenses for over six years. Over this period, she connected her mother's bank debit card to her own Afterpay account and used it for Xbox games, streaming subscriptions, Uber Eats orders, hairdressing, massage visits, airfares and Sea Life entry tickets.
The abuse came out when the mother's GP discovered her electricity was cut off. Council rates were unpaid, her bank account was overdrawn, and she had run out of essential medication.
These transactions occurred between January 2020 and July 2026. The tribunal gave control of the mother's estate to the Public Trustee for three years.
It ordered a six-month investigation into the financial abuse. This may lead to civil recovery proceedings.
The daughter is still her mother's guardian for personal and medical care.
- January 2020 to July 2026
- Abuse period
- 81
- Mother's age
- 3 years with Public Trustee
- Control period
- TASCAT
- Tribunal
Why it mattersThis case shows how vulnerable elderly people in families can face financial abuse. It highlights why oversight and trusted professionals speaking up matter.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
