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‘Never stop asking questions.’ This is the simple but powerful message that National Older Person’s Reference Group member Michelle Treasure has for those supporting an older person to make their own decisions. Speaking from her own experience supporting her late mother who was living with… Read More »Supported decision-making: a cultural mindset shift
Despite the much-anticipated new Aged Care Act being in effect for more than 100 days, significant challenges persist for older people on the Support at Home program, as evidenced by the nearly 18,000 cases supported by OPAN’s network members in the last quarter. A wide… Read More »Support at Home issues: OPAN urges government to act
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) warmly welcomes a reconstituted National Older Persons Reference Group (NOPRG), making it the most diverse group to date. The reference group was formed more than five years ago and meets every two months to ensure… Read More »OPAN welcomes a new reference group to inform systemic advocacy
Ramnik Singh Walia is an aged care advocate from Darwin Community Legal Services, OPAN’s Northern Territory network member. As the sector continues to navigate the new Aged Care Act, Ramnik reflects on how the legislation changes are playing out in practice so far and highlights the important role advocacy plays in empowering older people to… Read More »Rights must be embedded in everyday care not just written into law
Aged care advocate Ramnik Singh Walia, has been recognised for his work to improve the lives of others at the Australian Human Rights Awards 2025.
Older people are being reminded of the government’s Financial Hardship Assistance program, amid reports of aged care contribution payments increasing since the New Aged Care Act was introduced on 1 November. While the new Act has benefits including an important Statement of… Read More »Older people reminded of financial assistance available for aged care
Picture from Ageing Australia. From left: Andrea Kelly, Craig Gear, Lloyd Williams, Tom Symondson and Virgina Trioli. OPAN shone a spotlight on advocacy, diversity and rights at the 2025 Ageing Australia National Conference on the Gold Coast this month, which… Read More »Meeting the moment, shaping the future: Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 wrap up
Today, OPAN CEO Craig Gear launched the National Aged Care Advocacy Program Presenting Issues Report July 2024–June 2025. Published annually, this report offers offers a detailed analysis of the 52,206 instances of information and advocacy support our network members provided… Read More »New report reveals persistent challenges facing older Australians
Paul Absalom is a member of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, which was formed in 2020 to hear directly from older people about the issues that affect them and to facilitate their active participation in aged care reform. Tell… Read More »‘I came to Alice in 1982 to visit friends’
The Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, attended a meeting in Melbourne today to hear directly from older people about their views on the new rights-based Aged Care Act, which comes into effect on 1 November. “Forums like… Read More »Older people raise their concerns with Minister