What happened to Australia's falls prevention policy? A retrospective policy analysis and qualitative interviews of policy makers and key stakeholders to inform future policy development

OBJECTIVE: To examine how Australian policymakers and stakeholders perceived the development, strengths, weaknesses and long-term implementation challenges of the Australian National Falls Prevention Policy 2005, and to identify opportunities to inform a renewed national approach. METHODS: Qualitative retrospective policy analysis using semi-structured interviews with 28 participants from all national and state/territory public health agencies and stakeholders (Non-government organisations, academia, consumer representatives). Data were analysed qualitatively using the Framework Method. RESULTS: Participants valued the policy's vision and economic rationale but described it as outdated and constrained by limited leadership, resourcing, accountability and national coordination. Implementation was perceived to be variable across jurisdictions, with limited community involvement and inadequate consumer engagement. Policy stagnation, reactive system responses, an under-resourced workforce and lack of evaluation contributed to limited impact. CONCLUSIONS: Reflections across jurisdictions indicate a continuing need for a contemporary, coherent, systems-focused national falls prevention policy supported by strong governance and accountability. IMPLICATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Policy renewal should be adequately resourced; integrate all government levels and relevant health and non-health sectors; and embed meaningful participation of older adults. A strengthened national policy is needed to respond to the growing health, societal and economic burden of falls in older Australians.