Building on Progress: EAAA’s Response to the Draft National Plan

The Draft National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024–2034 represents a long-overdue commitment to addressing elder abuse in Australia. However, without stronger measures, adequate funding and clear accountability, the plan risks falling short. 

In our submission, EAAA acknowledges positive aspects of the plan while also putting forward 17 key recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Our submission calls for a more ambitious, coordinated and well-resourced national strategy. Read our key recommendations and download the full submission below.

The Draft National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024 – 2034 represents an opportunity to take meaningful action to end the abuse and mistreatment of older people in Australia. EAAA welcomes the significant progress reflected in the Draft Plan and acknowledges the Australian Government’s commitment to addressing this complex and systemic issue.

We are pleased to see the long-term commitment of the plan through its ten-year framework, its shift toward more person-centred and trauma-informed language and approaches, and its alignment with key recommendations that EAAA has pushed for. These elements lay the groundwork for a more effective and sustainable approach to eliminating the abuse of older people in Australia.

These advancements are commendable but require further steps to ensure the Plan achieves its intended impact. The recommendations above aim to strengthening the Plan’s commitments by embedding a more comprehensive human rights approach, addressing structural barriers that perpetuate abuse, and ensuring proportionate investment in prevention, intervention and recovery. We also strongly urge for the full recognition of cultural abuse as a distinct and longstanding form of harm that has been overlooked for far too long.

Accountability and consistency is the key

A national strategy must also prioritise consistency and accountability. Harmonising legal frameworks around enduring powers of attorney, public trustee and guardianship systems, and implementing a nationwide definition of elder abuse will improve protections for older people and reduce systemic inconsistencies. The success of the National Plan is dependent on a whole-of-government approach, shared accountability and clear measurable goals. Without these elements, efforts to prevent and respond to abuse risk remaining fragmented or simply aspirational.

Elder abuse is a pressing human rights issue that demands bold, coordinated and sustained action. The National Plan presents a defining opportunity to drive real and lasting change – but its success hinges on strong leadership, meaningful investment and clear accountability. Without concrete reforms, harmonised legal protections and a fully resourced implementation strategy, the Plan risks becoming just another unfulfilled promise.

EAAA is committed to working alongside governments, stakeholders and communities to ensure that the plan is ambitious, actionable and capable of delivering real impact.

We urge the Australian Government to seize this moment and deliver a plan that is bold, comprehensive and transformative.

The time for action is now.

Download the full submission.