The final Aged Care Rules - released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing yesterday (24 September 2025) - will underpin the new Aged Care Act from 1 November in just 37 days' time.
The new framework includes changes to residential care obligations, registration processes, funding mechanisms, complaints handling, and Support at Home models.
"What was meant to be a careful, long-distance reform marathon has suddenly turned into a panicked sprint to the finish line - and older Australians could pay the price," RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said.
"You don't throw 650 pages of new rules at aged care providers and expect them to build entirely new systems in just over a month.
"Aged care operators and providers are concerned systems will not be ready, which could compromise care and is causing heightened anxiety across the sector.
"There's now just 37 days to finalise client agreements and secure legal sign-off. We're hearing there were more changes than expected between the previous draft and latest version of the Support at Home manual, creating confusion on a tight deadline that risks avoidable compliance breaches.
"Despite a four-month delay from 1 July to 1 November, the implementation window is dangerously narrow.
"If the goal is better care, then providers need the best possible support to ensure a smooth transition.
"We're now locked into a 37-day sprint where ambition risks outpacing implementation."
The RLC is calling for four key actions:
- Prioritise essential changes over those that can be delayed with minimal client impact.
- Implement a grace period for compliance to avoid punishing good providers for unworkable and unrealistic timelines.
- Publish details for all rules immediately and cease drip-feeding information.
- Provide real transition support, including tech and funding assistance.
Mr Gannon said the wellbeing of older Australians must be the priority.
"Aged care isn't a race - but if we sprint, we might stumble. Reform must be steady, safe and sustainable, not a dash to meet a deadline," he said.
"We only have one chance to get this reform right."
