AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
New Aged Care Act to Start from 1 November
The new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program have been deferred to 1 November 2025. There are several resources and documents to accompany this announcement, including a media release, as well as open letters for workers, service providers, and older people, from Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Hon. Sam Rae MP. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing intends to work with providers to support them in understanding the new requirements, preparing older people for the changes, and finalising new systems for governance and reporting. Training and resources will continue to be offered throughout this time.
CHSP Provider Update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published a fact sheet for CHSP providers about the 2025–27 extension and changes under the new Aged Care Act. There is also further information and resources on the Department’s website on the CHSP reforms. And the CHSP Sector Readiness Webinar recording from 12 June is available for viewing, which discusses provider obligations, and the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission with CHSP providers from 1 November 2025.
Support at Home Resources
There are a range of new and updated resources to support providers in the transition to the Support at Home program on 1 November. These resources include fact sheets, guides, webinars and reports on the different elements of Support at Home. There is also self-paced training available for providers to understand and prepare for the program. The Department has also released a priority actions list which outlines key steps needed for providers to take under the new Aged Care Act and the new Support at Home program.
New Aged Care Act Training, Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
Training is available for providers and workers on the new Aged Care Act, to prepare for changes starting from 1 November. The first online module, available now, focuses on understanding and adapting to the new system is available now, with more modules due to be released soon. The training can be accessed on Alis, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s online learning system. There is also a list of frequently asked questions that providers can refer to for information about the new start date for the new Aged Care Act, and further information on the Act can also be found on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website.
Have Your Say: IHACPA Support at Home Pricing
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is seeking feedback from older people, their families and other representatives about the Support at Home service list. This feedback will assist IHACPA in providing accurate pricing advice to the government that meets the needs of older people and the aged care sector and reflects the costs of delivering safe, high-quality services. The deadline for feedback is 18 July 2025.
Policy on Provider Governance Now Available
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released a Provider Governance Policy, which will apply when the new Aged Care Act commences. This document explains the principles of good governance and the Commission’s expectations of registered providers’ governance arrangements. The Commission will provide a range of guidance materials to support the policy in the lead-up to November 2025. The Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program is also available and will assist governing body members, leaders and emerging leaders in strengthening their capabilities to be able to understand, reflect and apply best-practice governance in the workplace.
Guide to Transitioning to Registered Supporters
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a guide to outline how representative relationships in My Aged Care will transition to the new registered supporter role. This guide will cover topics such as supported decision-making and the role of registered supporters, the option to opt out of a registered supporter relationship before 1 November, and where to go for more information.
OPAN Aged Care Act Webpage
OPAN has developed an informative webpage which identifies seven key areas of change under the new Aged Care Act, including a rights-based focus and a new funding and program model. Information and resources on this webpage will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
Videos: Statement of Rights, Code of Conduct, and Associated Providers under the new Aged Care Act
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released videos regarding the Statement of Rights and Code of Conduct, as well as associate providers. These videos feature key aspects of the regulatory model under the New Aged Care Act, and also explain the role of associated providers who will be delivering services on behalf of a registered provider.
Statement of Rights and Code of Conduct video
Quality Standards Resource Centre
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has developed a new online resource centre to support providers, governing body members and workers to deliver safe, quality care. This resource centre contains relevant and evidence-based materials that are linked to the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which take effect from 1 November 2025. These resources are regularly reviewed and are designed to better explain the strengthened Quality Standards. Before using the Resource Centre, it is recommended to read the terms of use.
