The Australian Government has announced that a New Aged Care Act will commence on 1 November 2025.
The Act is a law that will determine how the aged care system will operate.
The Act will make changes that will improve care for older Australians who use government-funded aged care services. This will make sure older Australians are treated with respect, kindness, fairness and experience the quality of life they deserve.
Who will be affected by the Act?
The act will affect everyone who works in or uses the aged care system:
- Older Australians, their families and carers
- Aged care providers
- Aged care workers
- Government agencies (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Services Australia).
How will the Aged Care Act impact providers?
Under the new Act, providers must make changes to the way they operate and how they meet government rules.
All providers must be registered with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. New providers must complete a new application form, while already approved providers can update their information here.
All providers’ actions must meet the Statement of Rights. This means providers must understand the Statement of Rights and have policies and practices in place to make sure their services meet the Statement of Rights.
Obligations that providers must meet:
- Providers must meet the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s conditions of registration.
- Meet and follow the strengthened Aged Quality Standards.
- Providers and employees must meet the code of conduct for aged care.
- Meet the new Financial and Prudential Standards
- Make sure workers meet screening requirements.
Provider handbook
The handbook will help providers understand what the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission does, what it means to be a registered provider, what responsibilities and obligations you have as a provider and how the commission will communicate and work with registered providers.
The handbook is also helpful if:
- You’re planning to become a registered provider
- You’re already a registered provider.
For participants of aged care, see: The New Aged Care Act: What it means for Older Australians
