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In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra, and reported by a number of news sites, Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson said the nation has an opportunity to create a more inclusive society as its population ages.
As she steps down after seven years in her role, the former federal minister warns Australia is set to record a doubling of the number of people aged 65 and over, which will coincide with the biggest transfer of intergenerational wealth in history.
It's estimated $3.5 trillion in assets will likely be passed on from baby boomers to the younger generations.
This will create a "perfect storm" of ageism, or an opportunity to stamp out the form of discrimination.
"We must pursue the biggest policy challenge that would have the most impact on the wicked problem that is elder abuse ... nationally consistent enduring powers-of-attorney across jurisdictions and a national enduring power-of-attorney register," she said.
The policy idea, developed with other advocacy organisations, has remained on ice for more than 20 years.
"Harmonisation would make it easier for families to look after older family members in other jurisdictions, and for people to be educated about their rights, and attorneys about their responsibilities."