Next Age Discrimination Commissioner appointed

The appointment of Robert Fitzgerald AM as the next Age Discrimination Commissioner has been welcomed by Dementia Australia.

The Age Discrimination Commissioner, operating within the Australian Human Rights Commission, leads the work to prevent age-based discrimination and promote equality across areas of employment, education, accommodation and the provision of goods and services.

In this position, Fitzgerald will spearhead initiatives to combat age-related disparities and to advocate for the rights of older people in Australia.

Fitzgerald contributed to the Dementia-Friendly Communities Roundtable in NSW Parliament in September 2022, which resulted in the inaugural NSW Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Action Plan 2023–2025 released in September 2023.

Dr Kaele Stokes, Dementia Australia Executive Director, Services, Advocacy and Research, said the appointment was well deserved.

“Mr Fitzgerald has long championed the rights of older people, including those with a cognitive impairment, and this new appointment acknowledges his commitment to serving this community,” Stokes said.

“In 2024 there are more than 421,000 people living with all forms of dementia in Australia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.

“Older people living with dementia are more susceptible to elder abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, social and financial abuse as well as neglect.

“Dementia Australia looks forward to working with Mr Fitzgerald to protect older Australians, especially people living with dementia or cognitive impairment who are more vulnerable within the community.”

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