The government will recommend to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, that she proclaim the commencement of the new Act to be to 1 November 2025.
Feedback from the aged care sector supports the decision of a brief start-date deferral and will mean a better outcome for older people.
Read about the announcement:
- New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November media release
- Open letters from Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP
How aged care is changing
The deferral will allow aged care providers to better prepare clients, support workers, and ensure their systems are ready for the changes.
It will mean providers and workers will have more time to talk to older people about how aged care is changing to make sure:
- the rights of older people are protected
- decision-making support is their choice
- care assessment is easier
- aged care service information is transparent
- what older people should expect from providers and workers is clear.
The brief deferral will also ensure older people accessing home care have the time to understand the Support at Home changes, including:
- service agreements and care plans
- service list, prices and contributions to non-clinical services.
Supporting delivery of the Act
We will continue to work in partnership with the Transition Taskforce, advisory groups, peak bodies and advocacy organisations to:
- develop the requirements of the legislation and Aged Care Rules
- produce guidance and training to support the sector.
The government is committed to reforming aged care. The new Act ensures a sustainable, world-class aged care system that puts older people at the centre of their care.
