Ending the abuse and mistreatment of older people
Attorney-General
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
The Hon Sam Rae MP
Today, the Albanese Government, together with all state and territory governments, launches the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036. The National Plan represents our shared commitment to prevent, respond to and ultimately end the abuse of older people in Australia.
All older people in Australia have the right to live free from abuse, mistreatment and neglect. This National Plan is an important step towards making that right a reality.
The Plan will bring together governments, the sector, families and the community over the coming decade to reach our goal of ending, not just responding to, the abuse and mistreatment of older people.
1 in 6 older Australians have been abused by someone they trust, most often a family member. This is unacceptable.
Older people experiencing abuse and mistreatment frequently do not seek help or advice, as this form of abuse and family violence is often hidden and misunderstood.
The Government is working to respond to these challenges and ensure support is available for older Australians when they need it most, including by committing additional funding over four years from 2026-27 to specialist elder abuse services comprising lawyers, social workers and other specialist staff.
Importantly, the Government is working on developing a National Prevention Framework to support organisations, communities and families to address the causes of abuse and mistreatment of older people.
More information on the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036 is available on the Attorney-General's Department website.
If you experience, witness or suspect elder abuse, you can call the National Elder Abuse phone line 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) for free and confidential information, support or referrals. You can also visit Compass.info for further information and resources.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Today, I am proud to launch the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036.
“Every older Australian has the right to live free from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect. The National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036 is the commitment by all governments to making that right a reality.
“At its core, the Plan is aimed at ensuring all Australians can grow older with their dignity and choices intact, and live free from abuse and neglect.
“The Government will continue to work with our state and territory counterparts to support older Australians, including by developing the National Prevention Framework to support organisations, communities and families to address the causes of abuse and mistreatment of older people.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon Sam Rae MP:
“Older Australians are at the heart of our work. From working to prevent elder abuse to once-in-a-generation reforms to aged care, delivering outcomes that keep older people safe and healthy is a top priority.
“This National Plan is the result of years of close and ongoing work with the states and territories to support older Australians as they age.
“We’re responding to the biggest challenges older Australians face so they can age with the dignity, freedom and care they deserve.”