‘…massive education is needed – we were thrown into this in an emergency. We had some understanding of what was required, but the enormity of what we have taken on is still hitting home…’ – Appointed decision-maker ‘When I became involved it came as a shock and great learning experience…’ – Appointed decision-maker Around half of Australians (47%) were aware that a person who was setting up an FEPOA for themselves could choose who to appoint as a decision-maker. Only two in five were aware that a principal can give instructions in their FEPOA or set conditions on the appointed decision-maker’s powers (39% and 37% respectively). Q15 Figure 16 – Knowledge of principals’ rights 47% 45% 39% 42% 37% 31% Choose who to appoint as a decision-maker Seek professional Give instructions Set conditions or Appoint more Not aware of any advice in their FEPOA limitations on the than one decisionof these appointed maker decision-maker's powers Q.15. Which of the following did you know before today? A person organising a FEPOA for themselves can… Please select all that apply. Base: Nat rep sample n=2,496 Overall, the control group were significantly more likely to select ‘Don’t know’ or ‘Not aware’ when tested on their knowledge across all statements at Figure 16. Otherwise there were no significant differences between principals and appointed decision-makers. These results highlight significant gaps in knowledge and understanding across the Australian population about FEPOAs generally, the processes involved, as well as the rights and responsibilities of both principals and appointed decision-makers. The data revealed that the gap is even wider for those who are younger, from lower socio-economic areas, from metro areas and for those with lower education levels. Chapter : 5 Knowledge and understanding 29