Executive summary
The COTA National Alliance welcomes the second National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older Australians. However, to ensure the plan achieves meaningful and sustainable outcomes, we recommend a few changes that focus on clarity, accountability, and resources.
First, we encourage the adoption of measurable, action-oriented language throughout the plan. By setting specific, measurable goals and using decisive language, the plan can provide greater transparency and accountability, making it easier to track progress and ensure that that actions are achieved.
Additionally, it is important to build on the successes of the first National Plan while acknowledging and addressing gaps. Providing a clear roadmap that identifies completed actions, ongoing initiatives, and areas needing further development will ensure continuity and make the connection between the first and second National Plans transparent. This will increase confidence in the plan’s direction and help communities and stakeholders understand how previous efforts are being carried forward.
Sufficient and sustainable funding is also important. As the demand for elder abuse prevention and response services increases, ensuring that these services are adequately resourced is crucial. We recommend assessing funding allocations to meet the growing needs of key services such as helplines, legal support, and crisis services, and expanding eligibility for programs like the Escaping Violence Payment to ensure age does not play an exclusionary role in support.
We also highlight the importance of addressing barriers that inhibit the integration of lived experience into the design and implementation of actions and services. Older Australians who have experienced abuse should be central to shaping the solutions that affect them. Creating safe and accessible avenues for their participation will ensure that the plan reflects their needs and addresses any barriers to their engagement.
Finally, we call for a focus on sustaining long-term funding to support the increasing need for services. Allocating resources to match the demand driven by increased awareness and providing consistent financial support for elder abuse services will ensure the National Plan’s success over time. This includes funding to build workforce capacity in line with community need. Expanding the number of trained professionals and fostering collaboration through state-led forums will ensure a unified approach to elder abuse prevention and response.
By refining the language, building on past efforts, addressing funding needs, and addressing barriers relating to the integration of lived experiences, the second National Plan can deliver more effective, sustainable solutions for elder abuse and mistreatment. The COTA National Alliance looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping a future where all Australians can age free from abuse and mistreatment.
Additional submissions, that consider jurisdictional-specific challenges and recommendations, have been prepared by state- and territory-based COTAs.