A voice on your side: the power of independent advocacy

For Carolanne Barkla, that focus has guided her leadership of Aged Rights Advocacy Service – the OPAN member for South Australia – and shapes her reflections as she prepares to step down as Chief Executive. 

Advocacy ensures older people have access to free, independent, and confidential support to understand their rights, raise concerns, and make informed decisions about their aged care. 

The ‘Statement of Rights’, which is now embedded in legislation since the Aged Care Act 2024 came into effect last year, includes the right for older people to access advocacy support. This reform is critical, Carolanne said. 
 
“It is really important that older people have that right to have an impartial, independent person who can provide them with support, free from conflict of interest, to make sure their voices are being heard on what matters to them. 
 
‘I do think it’s critical. It reinforces to older people where they can go for support and ensures someone can’t be saying to them, “you can’t have an advocate, or you can only have our advocate”.’ 

While acknowledging that there is still a long way to go, Carolanne said having the Statement of Rights front and centre in the Act was a significant milestone.  

‘It’s not totally where we want to be yet – but it’s a big achievement to getting to where we want to be.’   

Carolanne said many older people are still unsure of their rights or how to raise concerns and advocacy services can support older people to speak up for themselves. 
 
‘It’s not uncommon for older people or their supporters to call and say ‘I’ve got these issues – what are my rights?”. 
 
‘If you feel comfortable, advocates can help you structure how to have that discussion with the provider and tell them what your concerns are and what you would like to happen.’ 
 
This focus on self-advocacy is central. With the right information and support, older people can build the confidence to raise issues directly.