We welcome such a well-respected champion of older people

Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) is honoured to announce the appointment of The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO as its inaugural Patron.

Dr Patterson brings to this role decades of distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment to the rights of older Australians. As a former Age Discrimination Commissioner and Senator, she has been a fierce advocate for older people, gender equality and human rights throughout her public life.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Patron of EAAA,” said Dr Patterson. “As a nation, we have a duty to ensure that older Australians can live free from fear, neglect and abuse. EAAA plays a critical role in challenging ageism, amplifying the voices of older people and advocating for the policy and service responses we so urgently need. I look forward to continuing this important work alongside the organisation as Patron.”

EAAA’s Co-Chairs welcomed the appointment, highlighting Dr Patterson’s deep sector knowledge and national leadership on ageing and elder abuse.

“Kay’s appointment is an enormous privilege for EAAA,” said Diedre Timms. “Her decades of advocacy and public service reflect the very values we hold dear - respect, justice and a commitment to meaningful change.”

Sue Leitch added: “Kay’s voice has long championed those too often overlooked. As Patron, she will continue to influence national conversations and keep older Australians at the centre of reform.”

Executive Officer Bev Lange said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation.

“With the number of older Australians set to double in the next 25 years, the time to act is now. Kay’s passion and strategic insight will help elevate our work and will be particularly valuable as we prepare to host the 2026 Australian Elder Abuse Conference.”

EAAA is Australia’s national voice for action to eliminate the abuse of older people. As Patron, Dr Patterson will support EAAA’s advocacy, campaigns, and national events, including the next Australian Elder Abuse Conference, to be held on the Gold Coast from 27-29 July 2026 under the theme “Stand up, speak out. Because silence is never the solution.”

Brief biography

Prior to entering Parliament in 1987 Dr Patterson received a BA (Hons) from University of Sydney and a Dip Ed and PhD from Monash University. She taught allied health students at Lincoln Institute and introduced gerontology into the undergraduate programs and co-developed the first Diploma in Gerontology in Victoria.

She was elected to the Senate in 1987.  In 2001 she was appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Health and Ageing and in 2003 as Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Women’s Issues.

Dr Patterson was appointed the Aged Discrimination Commissioner in 2016.  As Commissioner she focussed on counteracting ageism, age discrimination in the workplace, elder abuse and older women at risk of homelessness. 

She has served on several not-for-profit boards and on Monash University Council.  She is a board member of Every Age Counts and Patron of the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice.  She was awarded an AO in 2016 and received an honorary doctorate from Monash University in 2018 and the University of Wollongong in 2024. 

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