The time for action is now.

Support EAAA’s call for full, ongoing funding of the Second National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People.

EAAA invites you to support our campaign

1. Follow and share EAAA’s social media posts
2. Write to your local Federal member and seek answers to these important questions
   • Will you advocate to the government for full, ongoing funding of the Second National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People?
   • How will the Commonwealth ensure older people can access specialist help regardless of postcode?
   • How will progress on the plan be measured and reported to Parliament?
3. Become a member of Elder Abuse Action Australia and be part of the movement for change.

Background

Elder abuse is widespread, hidden and under‑reported - when people ask for help, the system must be ready.

What we are asking for

• Release the Second National Plan with full, transparent, long‑term funding attached.
• Publish a detailed national implementation plan by 30 June 2026 (timelines, responsibilities, outcomes).
• End the postcode lottery for help by guaranteeing nationally consistent access to specialist elder abuse prevention, advocacy and response services.

The Second National Plan – why it matters

• A 10‑year, human‑rights‑based national framework is essential to prevent, identify and respond to elder abuse.
• It must be backed by resourcing, cross‑portfolio coordination and public accountability.
• Visibility is not enough. Older people need funded action.

Elder abuse prevalence – the scale of the problem

• Around 1 in 6 older Australians (15%) experience elder abuse each year (approx. 600,000 people).
• Family members are the most common perpetrators, often adult children.
• Only around 1 in 3 victim‑survivors reach out for help.

Case Study

Peter is a 90-year-old man. His son, Andrew, 50 years old, moves into his father’s home after a marriage breakdown. Andrew is in considerable financial difficulty. He begins a deliberate campaign to convince his father that he is losing his “marbles”, and therefore his capacity to manage his own affairs.

Andrew secretly over-medicates Peter. He also convinces authorities his father no longer had capacity and was appointed Peter’s Guardian and Administrator. Andrew withdrew more than $100,000 of Peter's money and gambled it away.

Peter obtained support through an elder abuse service. He was helped to revoke all orders and to get Andrew removed from his house. He could not recover the money stolen by Andrew.