- Home
- Hansard & Papers
- Legislative Assembly
- 25 June 2002
Woolcott Court And Mrs Edna Steward
Printing Tips |
Print selected text
| Full Day Hansard Transcript
« Prior Item |
Item 23 of 35
| Next Item »
About this Item
Speakers - Hopwood Mrs Judy
Business - Private Members Statements
|
Page: 3711
Mrs HOPWOOD (Hornsby) [5.26 p.m.]: I inform the House today of a very serious situation in my electorate that involves one of my elderly constituents, Mrs Edna Steward. Mrs Steward is 80 years old and lives alone at Woolcott Court, an aged care hostel in Wahroonga. Her family are country based and not on hand to assist her with the day-to-day concerns that have arisen in relation to her place of residence. Mrs Steward is physically disabled to the extent that she is prevented from living independently, hence her need to reside in an environment that offers both a place to live and ongoing domestic services. Two years ago Mrs Steward was living in a Castle Hill retirement village and was "encouraged" to move to Woolcott Court in Wahroonga. At the time she expended $130,000 for, as her niece describes it, "her right to reside under a leasing arrangement". This meant that she had a residence in which to live as well as support services that would enable her to live independently. This lifestyle would make it possible for her to maintain her dignity and independence and receive support so that she could enjoy the latter years of her life.
Mrs Steward is now an aged pensioner and she used her savings to fund her retirement, thinking she had a secure lease that would provide her with complete domestic care and a residence for the remainder of her life. Sadly, this does not appear to be the case. I am alarmed to hear that she has been manipulated to part with money to pay for a leasing arrangement and that she now has no lease, no $130,000 and soon no home or services. Mrs Steward faces the loss of her $130,000 as well as being evicted from her home and an uncertain future in terms of financial security and a place to live. She trusted a solicitor to make the arrangements that would formalise the leasing arrangement, but this did not happen. Mrs Steward paid her money but never received documentation proving that she had a legal lease. The registration of the lease has not taken place. Her family have been advised that "the company Woolcott Court had certain difficulties that had to be overcome prior to settlement" of the lease.
Mrs Steward was not made aware of this fact until very recently. She estimates that quite a few others may be in the same situation. In the past six months Mrs Steward was told that Woolcott Court was in financial difficulties and that all residents would have to vacate at some stage. Approximately one month ago Mrs Steward's niece telephoned the Department of Fair Trading and explained the problem. She was informed that the department would look into it but she did not hear back from anyone. I was fully briefed on the situation only last Monday and have endeavoured to speak to the Department of Fair Trading, with no success; to acquire documentation from the solicitor, which has not arrived; and to identify and speak to the administrator appointed by the Department of Fair Trading, to no avail, although the department apparently appointed the administrator. On 20 June I wrote to the Minister for Fair Trading explain the parlous nature of the situation.
Yesterday following a number of distressing calls from Mrs Steward's niece, I spoke to the Minister's office about the fact that Mrs Steward was about to be evicted and that her locks were likely to be changed. I explained that the premises, Woolcott Court, are to be auctioned on 4 July—a mere eight days away. Mrs Steward has no security, no documentation and has been left significantly out of pocket by an as yet unknown person. This old woman is living in fear and needs assistance from the Department of Fair Trading and the Minister. She needs an immediate and effective result.
Mrs Steward's niece assures me that her aunt would find it impossible to vacate the premises as she has no available funds and no means to find alternative accommodation. The security of Mrs Steward's finances has not been mentioned, nor has compensation been mentioned. The elderly lady was firmly of the opinion that her lease was secure and would attract compensation should any unforeseen circumstances be encountered. Now she is in a completely reversed situation. Mrs Steward is in dire circumstances and has not received help from the Department of Fair Trading or the Minister. A helpless 80-year-old woman is about to be evicted to an unknown future. In the time that I have been aware of the issue, I have tried again and again to draw it to the attention of the Minister for Fair Trading, his office and the Department of Fair Trading. Urgency to deal with and solve the problem has not been evident. This matter is urgent and needs immediate action. Tomorrow Mrs Steward may be out on the streets. She is alone, vulnerable and in need of help.
Last modified 05/12/2007 16:39:00 : Update this page