New Aged Care Act starts Saturday
28 Oct 2025
The new Aged Care Act comes into effect this Saturday, 1 November, marking a significant shift in Australia’s aged care system. The Act is designed to put older Australians at the centre of care, creating a safer, fairer system and improving quality of life.
Key Changes from 1 November:
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Statement of Rights: Ensures older people are active participants in decisions about their care.
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Support at Home Program: Easier access to services, equipment, home modifications, and products.
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Strengthened Quality Standards: Higher expectations for care quality across the system.
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New Regulatory Model: Promotes transparency, engagement, and better collaboration.
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Simplified Registration: Clearer provider obligations and streamlined processes.
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Culturally Safe Services: Funding for trauma-aware and healing-informed care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people.
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Updated Digital Systems: Better-connected systems to support high-quality care.
Transition Approach:
The reforms will be staged to reduce disruption and ensure continuity of care for older Australians.
What Providers Can Do:
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Review the Priority Actions List for post-1 November requirements.
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Complete any mandatory reporting through My Aged Care Service and Support Portal and Aged Care Provider Portal.
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Communicate with staff, older people, families, and carers to reassure them about changes.
Support and resources, including eLearning materials, are available on the Government’s aged care website to guide providers through the transition.
Source: Australian Government Department of Health
