Aged care reform

The Australian Government is making important changes to aged care to help ensure older Australians receive care that is high quality, respectful, and tailored to their needs. These changes will come into effect gradually from 1 November 2025.

What is changing and what it means for you

From 1 November 2025, a new Aged Care Act will come into effect. It’s part of a broader commitment to improve care for older Australians, driven by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Key improvements include:

• A new Aged Care Act and Statement of Rights: Introduces stronger quality standards and a Statement of Rights to ensure your care experience is respectful and high-quality. This new Act replaces the current legislation. View the Statement of Rights fact sheet.
• Strengthened Quality Standards: From November 2025, aged care providers will be required to meet strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. View the Strengthened Quality Standards poster.
• Registered Supporters: Under the new system, you can choose someone you trust to support you in making decisions about your care. This person can be listed as a Registered Supporter in your My Aged Care record. If you already have a representative listed, they may automatically become your registered supporter.
• Improved transparency: including star ratings and better reporting on providers’ performance.
• Workforce improvement: minimum care times and strengthened workforce regulation.
• New care programs: including Support at Home to replace Home Care Packages (HCP) from 1 November 2025 and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) in 2027.