The Albanese government is embarking on a once-in-a-generation reform of Australia’s aged care system, aimed at creating a high-quality, respectful, and sustainable framework that places older Australians at the center of current and future care.
The government has made clear its commitment to implementing these reforms successfully and in the right way.
After consulting extensively with industry experts and stakeholders, the government has acknowledged that additional time is needed to improve the rollout of reforms and minimize disruptions.
Following careful consideration, the government will advise Governor-General David Hurley to proclaim the new Aged Care Act effective November 1, 2025.
This delay will provide aged care providers with more time to prepare their clients, support staff, and ready their systems for change. It will also allow additional time to complete crucial operational and digital processes and give Parliament more opportunity to consider supporting legislation to ensure effective implementation.
The new legislation represents a comprehensive overhaul of aged care laws, placing the rights of older Australians at the forefront. For the first time, the Act includes a statement of aged care rights and principles to guide the behavior and decision-making of service providers and workers.
Alongside the new Act, a family support program will be rolled out to help older Australians remain healthy, active, and socially connected within their communities.
Until then, existing federal programs—including the Family Support Program, Short-Term Restorative Care, and Home Care Packages—will continue supporting older Australians wishing to live at home.
This legislation marks the next phase of the Albanese government’s ambitious aged care reform agenda, which has already introduced star ratings for care services, increased direct care hours for more than 250,000 aged care residents, implemented 24/7 nursing in residential care, boosted wages for aged care workers, established a single assessment system, enhanced transparency of providers’ finances and operations, and raised professional standards across the sector.
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