New national plan sets 10-year vision to end the abuse and mistreatment of older people

The Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM, today welcomed the release of the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036, describing it as a decisive step toward ending the abuse and mistreatment of older Australians.   

‘Elder abuse is prevalent and a growing national problem. It is one of the clearest and most harmful expressions of ageism, with significant social, legal, and economic implications,’ Commissioner Fitzgerald said. 

‘Every older Australian has the fundamental right to live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This Plan sets out the priority actions needed over the decade ahead to uphold that right. These include stronger prevention and early intervention, improved community awareness, culturally safe and accessible support pathways, enhanced data and evidence, a more capable service system, and strengthened legal and policy protections 

‘A human rights-based approach for ending abuse and mistreatment is at the heart of the Plan, placing dignity, autonomy, equality, safety and participation at the core of every principle, policy and action. It positions the protection and promotion of older people’s rights not only as a moral imperative, but as the necessary pathway to lasting systemic change. 

‘Critically, the Plan includes the recognition of ageism as a driver of abuse, the inclusion of targeted initiatives to address and end ageism, as well as a new focus on recovery and healing for older people who have experienced abuse,’ he said. 

The Commissioner also welcomed the Plan’s focus on addressing the urgent issue of financial elder abuse.  

‘Since the last national plan, community awareness of financial elder abuse has increased significantly.  

‘Financial exploitation is also expected to grow, particularly as Australia undergoes the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in its history and as families face sustained cost of living pressures.’  The Commissioner welcomed the Plan’s approach to understanding First Nations experiences, commitment to culturally informed and community-led responses, as well as recognition of the disproportionate risks faced by older women.  

‘Abuse does not occur in a vacuum. It is important that the Plan acknowledges diverse experiences and the gendered nature of many forms of abuse, and it will be essential that these realities are reflected in implementation to ensure responses are targeted, effective and equitable. 

‘Preventing elder abuse is a collective responsibility, and the opportunity now is to create systems and responses that genuinely uphold the wellbeing of older people.’ 

The Commissioner stressed the need for strong coordination across governments, services and communities to turn the Plan’s commitments into practical action. 

Two 5-year Action Plans will follow the Plan’s release. Commissioner Fitzgerald is calling on all Governments to ensure the following actions for implementation are prioritised: 

• Introduction of adult safeguarding laws and dedicated agencies in all states and territories to protect and safeguard older Australians from abuse.  

• Achievement of national consistency in laws governing enduring powers of attorney laws and urgent amendments to the privacy laws to allow the exchange of information where there is risk of harm from financial abuse. 

• Formal support by the Australian Government for a binding international Convention on the Rights of Older Persons to strengthen human rights protections for older persons and guide a rights-based approach in Australian laws, policies and systems 

• Strengthened financial support of community legal, advocacy and support services to provide a real increase in capacity to deal with elder abuse victims. 

‘I look forward to working with government, service providers and communities to ensure lasting progress that safeguards the autonomy and dignity of older people across Australia.’ 

ENDS