5.1 General knowledge of FEPOAs
The data revealed that only 6% of Australians felt they knew a lot about FEPOAs while 35% (Net: 7.53%
selected 'Nothing - you are part of a FEPOA but don't know anything about FEPOAs, 27.72% selected 'No
knowledge before this survey') felt they had no knowledge about them, despite some being involved in
FEPOAs themselves.
Figure 12 – How much do you know about FEPOAs?
6%
A lot – could explain it to someone in detail
24%
Some – could explain it to someone but
unsure of the details
35%
8%
28%
A little – had heard about it but didn’t really
understand the details
Nothing – you are part of a FEPOA but
don't know anything about FEPOAs
No knowledge before this survey
35%
H a d n o k n ow l e d g e ,
including some who
were i nvo l ved i n
FEPOAs th emsel ves
Q.13. Before starting this survey, how much did you know about FEPOAs?
Base: Nat rep sample n=2,495
Of the 35% who reported having no knowledge, this was more common among:
l
people aged 18-29 years old
l
people with lower levels of education
l
people living in lower socio-economic areas
l
people with a disability.
Principals and appointed decision-makers were more likely than the control group to say they had a lot of
knowledge (20% principals, 16% appointed decision-makers, 2% control group).
Of those who have not previously been either a principal or appointed decision-maker, 46% said if they were
involved in an FEPOA tomorrow, they would not understand the rights and responsibilities of a principal and
an appointed decision-maker.
When tested on their knowledge, concerningly, only one in four (23%) Australians correctly identified that an
FEPOA cannot be made after the principal has lost capacity to make decisions. Principals were more likely to
incorrectly select this statement as ‘True’ (33% of principals compared to 26% of appointed decision-makers).
Three in ten (30%) understood that an FEPOA ends when the principal dies and around half understood that
a principal can continue to make decisions themselves (49%) and revoke their FEPOA (48%) if they have the
capacity to do so.
26
Empowering futures: A national survey on the understanding and use of financial enduring powers of attorney