8 Conclusion 8.1 Summary of findings and recommendations (a) Raising awareness of FEPOAs and the value of having one in place The Commission found that nationally there is low community awareness about FEPOAs and other future planning tools. While FEPOAs are perceived as a valuable legal tool, very few Australian adults have set one up for themselves. Compared to older Australians, younger adults were less likely to be aware of FEPOAs and to have one in place, with many younger adults citing being ‘too fit and healthy’ and ‘too young’ as reasons for not having considered an FEPOA. This data may point to a broader community perception that FEPOAs are relevant only in older age, rather than applicable for all adults in preparing for future decision-making and the possibility of capacity loss at any age. Increasing awareness among Australians about the value of proactively setting up an FEPOA is critical to addressing these misconceptions. The data shows that this would be particularly useful among young adults and those living in lower socio-economic areas, who similar to younger adults, were also less likely to be aware of FEPOAS and consider it to be just a formality. Recommendation 1: The Commission recommends that the Australian Government, in consultation with State and Territory Governments, develop and deliver a national community awareness strategy, which incorporates ongoing awareness campaigns and campaign materials that are routinely revised and updated, to raise awareness among all adult Australians about FEPOAs and the value of having one in place. The national awareness strategy and its campaigns should: l l l l raise awareness about FEPOAs and other legal tools for future planning, including advance care directives, guardianships and enduring guardianships target all adult Australians, with a particular focus on younger adults and those from lower socioeconomic areas highlight the value of FEPOAs as a legal instrument for future planning and for providing peace of mind and control over who, and how, decisions will be made emphasise the importance for adults of all ages to consider and set up an FEPOA while they have decision-making capacity. (b) Filling the FEPOA education gap and reducing the risk of financial abuse The data showed significant knowledge gaps among Australians about FEPOAs generally, FEPOA processes and the rights and responsibilities of principals and appointed decision-makers. This gap is particularly pronounced among younger Australians, those living in lower socio-economic areas and those with lower levels of education. While the research found that principals were more likely to be confident about their knowledge, they were also most likely to select incorrect answers when tested on this knowledge. It is unclear from the Commission’s Chapter : 8 Conclusion 57