NEW laws should be considered that create specific offences for elder abuse as part of a national strategy to tackle the problem, Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan told a forum in Sydney this week.
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Ms Ryan said current approaches were not dealing effectively with the growing problem.
A national approach should focus on humanitarian issues and should cover abuse in residential aged care, home care and in the community.
She said while State Governments and community organisations were attempting to address the problem, it remained widespread.
"It would not appear that existing laws in Australia effectively protect all older people against this abuse," she said.
"How can we be sure that the ever-growing cohort of older people can live securely and with all their rights respected?"
Ms Ryan said a human rights based approach would include developing clear definitions of elder abuse, empowering older people to speak out, better training for aged care staff and new laws creating specific offences.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill welcomed the call for a national approach.
"Urging people to speak up if they are suffering neglect, financial, psychological or physical abuse is just the first step in addressing a growing human rights problem," he said.
"Solid inroads into tackling the problem of elder abuse will have to come from a concerted effort by all governments and the community.
"Older people are some of Australia's most vulnerable and it reflects badly on our society if we turn a blind eye to abuse or neglect.
"That is why a national and co-ordinated approach is a step towards keeping them safe, cared for and valued the way they deserve to be."
Elder abuse prevention organisations in each state have met in the past to discuss how best to develop a national approach, including a national database that could form the basis of planning to tackle abuse.
