Legal Services

Addressing the abuse and mistreatment of older people

One in six older Australians experiences abuse each year, according to the Australian Government's National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036. Many older Australians and their families also face challenges accessing legal advice and navigating the complexity of aged care issues when problems arise.

Through free national legal advice, support and referrals, Aged Care Justice helps protect the rights of older Australians and works to reduce abuse, neglect and other legal issues affecting people receiving aged care.

 

Free Legal Advice and Support

ACJ provides legal support through our in-house Community Lawyer and a national Legal Referral Panel of lawyers.

Our Community Lawyer provides free initial legal advice and support across a broad range of aged care matters. We can provide legal advice, explain your rights and options, assist with complaints and early resolution pathways, and help you navigate complex legal issues affecting older Australians.

This service is provided free of charge.

Our Legal Referral Panel comprises experienced lawyers who have demonstrated expertise in their area of practice and a commitment to assisting older Australians and their families. Panel lawyers provide a free initial consultation. Any ongoing engagement, fees or costs are managed directly between the client and the legal practice.

 

Areas of Assistance

We can assist with a broad range of aged care matters, including:

• Aged care service agreements and fees
• Quality of care concerns
• Financial abuse and exploitation
• Restrictive practices
• Complaints processes
• Guardianship, powers of attorney and decision-making issues
• Elder abuse and neglect
• Other legal issues arising in the delivery of aged care

If you require legal advice or support regarding an aged care matter, please contact us.