Why this research is important:

Services for children and young people, for older people and for people with disabilities have not always treated service users supportively or with the kindness and respect they deserve (as seen from Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse).

A vision of better services has inspired changes to policy for services for people with disabilities, for young people and for senior citizens.

New thinking occurred about what is needed so everyone can reach their fullest potential.

Policy responses such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) require knowledgeable leadership to achieve their purposes.

Specialist degree courses in youth work, aging and disability services can provide this expertise but are still not available in most states and are still at risk of disappearing from Australian higher education.

Systemic action is needed to ensure these courses survive.