Consultation opens on the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People

Australians are invited to share their views on the consultation draft of the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024-2034 (National Plan).

We know the abuse and mistreatment of older people – whether it be physical, psychological, sexual, financial or another form of mistreatment or neglect – has devastating consequences for older Australians, their families and communities.

All governments in Australia agree more must be done to prevent and respond to elder abuse and mistreatment.

The consultation draft has been released today for public feedback.

Australia's first National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study (2021) found that approximately one in six older Australians living in the community had experienced some form of abuse in the previous 12 months, yet most of those harmed did not seek help or advice.

The draft National Plan is a joint initiative developed with State and Territory Attorneys-General and builds on the important foundations and progress made under the first National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians (Elder Abuse) 2019-2023.

Informed by the independent evaluation of the first National Plan, the second National Plan has a 10-year term and an ambitious vision focussed on addressing ageism, promoting the rights of older people and ending abuse and mistreatment.

I encourage the Australian public to provide their views by participating in the online survey, making a submission, or joining a roundtable discussion. More information is available on the Attorney-General’s Department website.

The consultation process closes on Monday 17 February 2025.

If you experience, witness or suspect elder abuse, you can call the National Elder Abuse phone line 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 3 74) for free and confidential information, support and referrals. You can also visit Compass.info for further information and resources.