Older Australians Deserve Better: EAAA calls for National Action this Federal Election 

EAAA is urging all political parties and candidates to commit to protecting the rights of older Australians ahead of the upcoming federal election. Failure to act will leave thousands at risk of abuse, neglect and harm. At least 650,000 older people experience abuse and mistreatment in Australia each year. 

In our election platform document, we outline a series of urgent actions needed to tackle the growing crisis of elder abuse, calling for a coordinated, national response backed by sustained federal funding. 

• Universal access to specialist elder abuse services regardless of location, income, or background 

• Recognition of cultural abuse and ageism as critical forms of abuse needing urgent attention 

• National harmonisation of Enduring Power of Attorney laws and systems accompanied by a National Register of enduring documents to prevent exploitation 

• A whole-of-Government and cross-portfolio approach to ending the abuse and mistreatment of older people. Abuse and mistreatment of older people cannot be viewed through a justice lens alone but must include health, social services, financial and other perspectives and inputs 

• A Federal Human Rights Act. Australia is the only western democracy in the world without Human Rights Legislation, making it the only western democracy where human rights can be infringed upon without consequence 

• Dedicated, ongoing federal funding to strengthen prevention, response and recovery programs 

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly. By 2050, one in four Australians will be aged 65 or over. Without urgent action to reduce current rates of abuse this will see at least 1.4 million older people experiencing abuse. Yet older people remain invisible in key national policies that may address this abuse or protect their human rights and dignity. 

EAAA believes this federal election is a moment of truth. We’re calling on every candidate and party to step up, back these reforms and show older Australians their safety and dignity matter. 

Read the full document here.