Former minister leaves politics behind to care for mother with dementia

When one of Australia's most influential politicians stepped away from public life, few expected the reason to be so personal.

For Victor Dominello—once the world's first Minister for Customer Service and Digital—the decision was about more than politics.

It was about family, love, and the slow unravelling of memory.

Victor Dominello served as NSW Minister for Customer Service from April 2019 until March 2023, representing the seat of Ryde for the Liberal Party from 2008.

Today, however, his role is not in parliament or boardrooms but at his mother Josephine's side in aged care, holding her hand as she lives with dementia.

This journey is one shared by hundreds of thousands of Australian families, with dementia currently affecting around 487,500 people nationwide.

By 2058, experts predict that number will grow to 1.1 million, making Victor's family story one that echoes across the nation.

A family's journey through the fog

For Josephine, the first signs appeared in the kitchen.

Her legendary recipes—muffins, biscuits, family favourites—suddenly slipped from her grasp as she forgot ingredients she had used for decades.

Food had always been her love language, and its absence was devastating.

Soon after, double vision raised fears of a stroke, but tests revealed a different reality.

In 2019, just after the NSW election, Josephine was diagnosed with dementia at 71 years old.

The news shook the family, especially as they had already witnessed the disease with Victor's grandmother.

The diagnosis weighed heavily.

The genetic puzzle: Knowledge as power

Maria, the youngest sibling, chose a different path—genetic testing.

She discovered she carried a gene linked to dementia, a sobering revelation that could shape her future.

Instead of fear, she chose preparation, encouraging her siblings to undergo testing as well.

Science confirms the complexity: genes like APOE-e4 can heighten risk, but lifestyle and environment play crucial roles.

Maria’s decision reflected a growing awareness in families facing dementia, with genetic counselling offering both guidance and emotional challenges.

The reality of aged care in Australia

At first, Catherine tried to honour their mother’s wish to avoid aged care by taking her in.

She cared for Josephine for a year, but the toll was immense.

'The biggest thing is it's taken up a lot more time and energy and effort than I probably ever would have imagined,' Catherine admitted.

Her words mirror the struggles of the estimated 1.6 million Australians currently caring for someone with dementia.

Eventually, the move into aged care became necessary.

Now Josephine’s room is filled with reminders of her life—family photos, memory prompts, and a quilt handmade by Catherine to bring sensory comfort.

Creating precious memories while you can

The Dominellos embraced a philosophy of making memories before dementia could take too much away.

They took an unplanned trip to Italy, where Victor captured a cherished photo of himself and his mother praying in a Roman church.

As Maria explained: 'We spent mum's inheritance early and we've had some really beautiful family holidays.'

At home, Josephine joined music therapy, YouTube chair yoga sessions, and daily visits from family.

Her determination even saw her continue exercises for an hour after the video ended.

It showed that engagement, once sparked, could endure long after the activity itself.

Technology meets hope

Victor’s career in digital innovation gave him a unique perspective.

In 2019, he became the world’s first Customer Service Minister, leading reforms that won international recognition.

By July 2022, The Australian named him one of the nation’s top 100 innovators.

With that background, his optimism about dementia research felt grounded.

'I'm a big optimist, so I think we will get there in terms of finding a cure and treatment for dementia,' he said.

Until then, he encouraged Australians to treat brain health like heart health—strengthened by exercise, reading, and social and mental engagement.

Resources for families

For Australians facing similar challenges, these services provide vital help:

Dementia Australia: Counselling, education, and support nationwide (1800 100 500)

My Aged Care: Government service to access aged care (1800 200 422)

Carers Australia: Support for carers across the country

National Dementia Helpline: 24/7 support and information (1800 100 500)

By sharing their journey openly, the Dominello family helped dismantle stigma, showing that even public figures face dementia with love, dignity, and resilience.

Victor Dominello’s story shows how even high-profile figures face the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.

If you found his experience moving, you may be interested in how another celebrity family is navigating a similar journey.

Their story offers insight into coping strategies and the personal impact of dementia on public figures.

Read more: Demi Moore offers insight into Bruce Willis’s health and personal philosophy

How do you and your family create meaningful moments with loved ones living with dementia?