A new national campaign highlighting the abuse suffered by people 65 years-of-age and older across Australia has been launched, fronted by Elders Yalmay Yunupiŋu and Charlie King OAM.

Spearheaded by the federal Attorney-General's Department, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the abuse of older people, including highlighting the help and services on offer, as well as encouraging community interactions to help support older people.

Data shows one in six people aged over 65 have experienced some form of abuse, and most people (61 per cent) who experience abuse do not seek help or advice.

The 2024 Senior Australian of the Year, Ms Yunupiŋu said Elders are the backbone of families and communities.

"They deserve dignity and respect, but sometimes abuse can happen to our older people," the Yolŋu woman said.

"We all know the abuse of older people isn't part of our culture, so we need to come together and yarn about it so we can stop it from happening."

The campaign notes abuse can often be hard to spot, as it is often enacted by a family member or loved one, and can be physical, but also sexual, emotional, financial or through neglect.

While emotional or psychological abuse is the most common - ranging from name calling, being put down, or being shamed - to neglect - whereby someone who is looking after an older person doesn't meet their basic needs - and financial abuse - when an older person's money is spent without their knowledge or against their will - are also occurring.

A veteran sports broadcaster and human rights campaigner, Mr King said no one liked to think about abuse being perpetrated in their communities.

"But if you feel like something isn't right with you or someone you know, have a talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, a friend or a health care worker," the Gurindji man said.

"Together, we can all do something about it, starting with a yarn."

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said: "If an older person does not feel that they can reach out for help, then we have failed them."

"The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that, as well as enjoying longer, fulfilling lives, older people can live free from abuse," Minister Dreyfus said at the 2024 Australian Elder Abuse Conference.

Both Ms Yunupingu and Mr King have joined together in a video to call for all mob to discuss the abuse of older people, highlighting the support that is available.

"Older people are our cultural custodians, mentors, advocates, leaders and cherished loved ones, and abuse of our older people is never okay," Mr King said.

"We need to learn how to spot it and understand how to help, so that our older people can live with the dignity they deserve."

One of Australia's largest family services providers, Relationship Australia, welcomed the $4.8 million campaign, but national executive officer Nick Tebbey said the funding was the bare minimum needed to combat the issue.

"Relationships Australia supports initiatives that raise awareness, and that support people to seek help – and to offer help – without shame, fear, stigma or embarrassment," Mr Tebbey said.

"If this $4.8 million campaign works, more people will start the conversation, for themselves or for others. But without additional funding to meet the increased demand for services, many will be left stranded.

"This campaign risks raising awareness without ensuring that services will be there and able to provide that help."

If you experience, witness or suspect abuse of older people, you can call the National Elder Abuse phone line 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) for free and confidential information, support and referrals.