National plan to end elder abuse launched, sector calls for funding

The Albanese government has unveiled its 10‑year National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People, with advocates and human rights leaders calling it a decisive step toward tackling one of the country’s most hidden and harmful forms of violence.

Launched jointly with all state and territory governments, the plan outlines a decade‑long commitment to prevent, respond to and ultimately end elder abuse, which affects one in six 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,” Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM said.

“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.”

The plan identifies ageism as a key driver of abuse and places a human‑rights framework at its core, emphasising dignity, autonomy, equality and safety. It also highlights the urgent need for stronger prevention, earlier intervention, culturally safe support pathways, improved data, and more consistent legal protections.

Commissioner Fitzgerald said the plan’s recognition of financial elder abuse – a rapidly growing issue as Australia undergoes the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in its history – was particularly important.

“Financial exploitation is also expected to grow, particularly as families face sustained cost‑of‑living pressures,” he said.

Attorney General Michelle Rowland said the plan represents a shared national commitment to ensuring older Australians can age with dignity and security.

“Every older Australian has the right to live free from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect,” she said.

“At its core, the plan is aimed at ensuring all Australians can grow older with their dignity and choices intact.”

The Federal Government has committed additional funding from 2026–27 for specialist elder abuse services, including lawyers, social workers and other frontline staff. Work is also underway on a National Prevention Framework to help organisations and communities address the causes of abuse.

Aged Care and Seniors Minister Sam Rae said the plan builds on broader reforms to strengthen safety and wellbeing in aged care.

“Older Australians are at the heart of our work,” he said.

“We’re responding to the biggest challenges older Australians face so they can age with the dignity, freedom and care they deserve.”

Demand surges

Advocacy groups have welcomed the plan but say its success hinges on significant new funding, particularly for frontline services already struggling to meet demand.

COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) described the plan as an important step forward but said the upcoming federal budget must begin resourcing its implementation.

“It’s strengthened recognition of, and commitment to ending, ageism as a key driver of elder abuse is an important shift,” COTA Victoria and SRV chief Ben Rogers said.

“The plan also rightly acknowledges the diversity of older people’s experiences, including those that may face additional barriers.”

However, Mr Rogers warned that services supporting older people are already under intense pressure.

“Many services supporting older people who are experiencing abuse are already under significant pressure. SRV is inundated with calls from older Victorians who are directly impacted by violence alongside those concerned about loved ones,” he said.

“Calls to our service increase year‑on‑year, as do the number of days cases remain open because of the increasing complexity of matters. Without increased investment and resourcing, it will be near impossible to meet the growing demand that the plan itself recognises.”

He said the federal budget offers a “vital opportunity” to strengthen the 1800 ELDERHelp phone line and expand capacity across the sector.

Commissioner Fitzgerald emphasised the need for strong coordination across governments, services and communities to turn the plan’s commitments into practical action, calling for:

• Adult safeguarding laws and agencies in every state and territory
• Nationally consistent enduring power of attorney laws
• Privacy law changes to allow information‑sharing where financial abuse is suspected
• Strengthened funding for legal, advocacy and support services
• Formal Australian government support for a binding international Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

“Preventing elder abuse is a collective responsibility,” he said.

“The opportunity now is to create systems and responses that genuinely uphold the wellbeing of older people.”

Mr Rogers agreed that alignment between national priorities and state systems – particularly in family violence, safeguarding and justice – will be essential.

“While the plan provides a strong foundation, the next step is ensuring its ambitions are backed by the coordination, accountability, and investment needed to deliver real change,” he said.