LATEST NEWS
Staged Access to Updated Aged Care Portal
In preparation for the new Aged Care Act, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is updating its digital systems. System maintenance will be staggered; Government Provider Management System (GPMS) Registered Provider Portal and GPMS Approved Provider Portal will be available from 3 November. My Aged Care will be online from 3 November with updated information, and the Aged Care Provider Portal will be online from 5 November with new Act functions. Any reporting due via GPMS during this period will need to be submitted prior to 11.00pm on 30 October when scheduled maintenance begins. Alternative processes will be available to support the transition to the new systems. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers will be able to access the GPMS for the first time on 3 November, but will only use it to view and update their organisation’s details. CHSP providers will continue to use the Data Exchange (DEX) for reporting after 3 November.
Consultation Extended: Accommodation Pricing Review
As part of the Australian Government’s response to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce, an independent review is being conducted on accommodation pricing in residential aged care. Feedback is welcomed from residential aged care providers, residents, and other stakeholders, and will help shape the development of policy, program, funding, and administrative settings relating to the Accommodation Supplement and accommodation pricing. The deadline for providing feedback is 5pm AEDT Monday 10 November 2025.
Have Your Say: NDIS Support Needs Assessments
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is seeking feedback on the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) development of the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN) version 6 needs assessment tool. Feedback is encouraged from anyone with a lived experience of disability or who supports a person with disability. Feedback will assist PWDA in understanding how the wider disability community feels about the new needs assessment process due to be introduced from mid-2026. Feedback will also inform advocacy relating to the new system. The survey will close at 5.00pm AEDT on 31 October 2025.
Have Your Say: Our Way – Strengthening First Nations Disability Sector Survey
First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) has partnered with Jumbunna Research UTS on a national survey to hear community and sector voices about the delivery of culturally safe, community-led disability support. This survey invites participation from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and from both First Nations and non-Indigenous NDIS and disability service providers across Australia. Feedback will inform advocacy and guide support for providers and First Nations people with disability. The survey closes on 15 November 2025.
NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
Following feedback requesting earlier notice on upcoming changes, the NDIA’s most recent review and update of NDIS pricing arrangements and pricing limits are available on the Agency’s website. Documents are available on pricing effective from 1 July 2025 until midnight 23 November 2025, and on pricing effective from 24 November 2025. Key pricing changes affect Art and Music Therapies, the Specialist Disability Accommodation calculator, and the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide, and other areas. The NDIS Support Catalogue 2025-26 is also available for viewing. Participants do not need to do anything; providers will need to discuss any proposed changes to existing service agreements with participants.
Commonwealth Home Support Program Indexation
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released information about indexation for CHSP providers. Three indexation types apply to CHSP providers: annual indexation, boosts for nursing wages from Fair Work Commission decisions, and funding for other aged care workers’ wage rises from January and October 2025 through Budget measures.
Have Your Say: Pride in our Work Survey
This survey is a collaborative initiative of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, Southern Cross University, and several other Australian universities. The survey welcomes feedback from anyone working, volunteering, studying, or visiting in residential aged care. Responses will assist in understanding the barriers and enablers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) inclusion in residential aged care. The survey forms part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funded project that will co-create a rainbow inclusive model of residential aged care from 2025-2028.
Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service
Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) is a locally-based, Aboriginal community controlled, not-for-profit health services organisation that delivers specific health and specialist programs which provide culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal clients regarding their health and wellbeing needs. The service supports people in Western Sydney, Penrith, Nepean Blue Mountains, as well as other towns and communities in NSW through services and programs. They provide a holistic approach in their support, and are focused on cultivating a sense of empowerment and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when addressing their health and wellbeing needs.
The First Nations Aged Care Governance Group
The First Nations Aged Care Governance Group (FNACGG) provides advice to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to shape aged care policy and programs while promoting the voices and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is comprised of a number of representatives from relevant aged care sector peak organisations, other First Nations peak bodies, government stakeholders and the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. There is also a strong focus on supporting the diversity of culture and living in First Nations communities, including gender diverse people and those living with physical and mental disability.
