Collective Prejudice: Response to the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
This position paper presents Better Place Australia’s response to the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. We highlight the urgent need to confront the systemic issue of ageism in Australia. While the Commission and the COVID-19 pandemic brought national attention to the rights, needs and vulnerabilities of older people, we contend that meaningful reform cannot occur without addressing the cultural and structural marginalisation of ageing itself. Ageism which is rooted in widespread stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, undermines the health, wellbeing, and autonomy of older Australians and continues to shape a fragmented aged care system.