The Albanese Government’s Aged Care Bill passed Parliament earlier this week, paving the way for a new Aged Care Act and “once-in-a-generation” reforms to the sector.
The new legislation, which will come into effect from 1 July 2025, addresses nearly 60 recommendations from the landmark Aged Care Royal Commission, as it aims to create a better system that “puts quality care and safety first”.
The new Aged Care Act is highlighted by:
- A Statement of Rights to ensure older people and their needs are prioritised
- Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
- A tougher regulatory model
- Protectiong for older people to speak up about inadequate care
The new Act also responds to older people wanting to stay in their own homes for longer, enacting a new $4.3 billion Support at Home program to improve home care wait times and add 300,000 more places over the next decade, with around 1.4 million participants in care by 2035.
The new Act builds on significant recent reforms in aged care, including RN 24/7, Star Ratings, and pay rises for aged care workers.
“The new Aged Care Act is the final piece of the puzzle to create a better way of caring for older people both today and into the future,” Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said.
“This process has been testament to our government’s unrelenting commitment to make positive, lasting change for older people who have spent their lives contributing to Australia.”
A Transition Taskforce has been established to work with the sector in preparation for the new Act coming into force.
More information on the New Act is available here
