AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
Aged Care Rules Consultation – Topics by Release
The Government has issued a document that includes the topics and related timelines for each release of the Aged Care Rules consultation. The Rules will provide clarity on how the Aged Care Act will operate when it comes into effect on 1 July 2025, which has now been confirmed due to the Aged Care Bill passing Parliament.
Aged Care Rules Consultation – Feedback Sought
The most recent release is Stage 2a, which covers Chapter 4 of the new Aged Care Bill 2024 and focuses on funding relating to the Support at Home program. Feedback for this stage, via survey or submission, closes at 5pm on 6 December 2024.
Caps on Gardening and Cleaning Services Removed
The Australian Government has removed caps on gardening and cleaning services for home care. Original caps limited cleaning support to one hour a week and gardening support to 18 hours a year; the removal of these caps will improve the support and care given to older people and help them maintain independence.
Aged Care Transition Taskforce Announced
The Australian Government is assembling an Aged Care Transition Taskforce, which will help providers with the implementation of the new Aged Care Act. The Taskforce will be comprised of consumer advocates, aged care providers, ICT specialists, and other community and government representatives. The Taskforce will provide advice to the Government, to ensure that the challenges and opportunities that will arise during and after the aged care reforms are addressed.
Updated Aged Care Reforms Booklet and Roadmap
An updated booklet and roadmap are available on the aged care reforms. These updated documents detail changes starting from 1 July 2025 including the new Aged Care Act, the new aged care regulatory model and the new Support at Home program. Timelines in the roadmap are subject to change and will be updated regularly to ensure that the latest information is made available.
Consultation: How Star Ratings are Calculated
The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking feedback on how star ratings for residential aged care are calculated ahead of the commencement of the new Aged Care Act. Feedback is needed for changes to compliance ratings, staffing ratings, and any additional changes based on early feedback. People wishing to provide feedback can do so via survey, written submission, or by consultation session. The opportunity to have your say closes on 13 December 2024.
