‘Hidden and misunderstood’: national plan to tackle elder abuse

By Karl Hoerr 

The Federal government launches a 10-year plan to prevent, respond to and eliminate the abuse of older people in Australia. According to the government, one-on-six older Australians has been abused by someone they trust, typically a family member.

Announcing the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036, Attorney General Michelle Rowland and Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said older people experiencing abuse or mistreatment often don’t seek help, “as this form of abuse and family violence is often hidden and misunderstood”.

The government says it is committing additional funding to specialist services, including lawyers and social workers.

“Every older Australian has the right to live free from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect,” said Rowland. “At its core, the Plan is aimed at ensuring all Australians can grow older with their dignity and choices intact,” she said.

“The National Plan is the result of years of close and ongoing work with the states and territories to support older Australians as they age,” added Rae.

Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM welcomed the Plan. “Elder abuse is prevalent and a growing national problem,” he said. “It is one of the clearest and most harmful expressions of ageism, with significant social, legal, and economic implications.”

Fitzgerald says the plan adopts a “human rights-based approach”, with the protection and promotion of people’s rights not only a “moral imperative” but also a “necessary pathway” to 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.”

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‘Hidden and misunderstood’: national plan to tackle elder abuse