Labor’s updated Aged Care Act passed the Senate last week after receiving bipartisan support. It will now go back to the House Of Representatives this week for final approval. This means it will come into effect on 1 July 2025. The act was updated in response to the recommendations of the 2018 Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality & Safety and is designed to increase the rights of aged care residents.

The bill’s passing was welcomed by advocates who earlier feared that the updated Aged Care Act might not be passed prior to the Federal election, which is scheduled to be held by May next year.

So what does the new act mean for residents, providers and aged care workers?

What does the new act mean for residents?

The new act includes several additional protections for residents. These include:

• Increased rights: The new statement of rights is a significant step towards ensuring that older people and their needs are at the heart of the aged care system. This will make it easier for older people to assert their rights and provide a clearer understanding of what they can expect from their providers and aged care workers.
• Improved quality standards: The act will also include improved quality standards for aged care.
• Independent complaints process: A new independent complaints process will provide residents with added protection if they are not satisfied with the quality of service and decide to speak up.
• Improved access to care at home: Not only will the new act benefit those in aged care, but it will also benefit the significant number of older Australians who prefer to receive care in their own home. As part of the new act, a Support At Home program will be introduced. This will allow more older Australians to remain in their home for longer by facilitating home modifications and assistive technology. In addition, the act includes the release of an additional 83,000 home care packages.

What does the new act mean for providers?

The act includes a number of changes that will impact aged care providers. These include:

• Providers will have to register with the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission and have any residential care homes approved
• They will have to ensure their actions are guided by the statement of rights.
• There will be a new set of provider obligations. This will include conditions on registration.

What does the new act mean for aged care workers?

The act includes a number of changes that will impact aged care workers. These include:

• The new statement of rights includes the right for older Australians to have their care delivered by aged care workers of registered providers with the appropriate skills and qualifications
• Workers will have increased whistleblower protections
• Workers must comply with revised worker screening protections
• There will be a statement of principles supporting continuous improvement in the level of care provided by workers.

The rights of older Australians should be at the forefront of everything the aged care system does, something the Aged Care Act hopes to achieve.

The aged care workforce plays a vital role in delivering quality care to older Australians. If you are looking for a career that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others, aged care could be for you.

Aged Care Resumes can help you achieve your career goals. We are pleased to offer various services, including our resume and selection criteria service.

Article References

Australian Ageing Agenda (22 November 2024) ‘New Aged Care Act imminent’, Australian Ageing Agenda, accessed 2 December 2024.

Australian Government Department Of Health & Aged Care (26 November 2024) ‘What the new aged care act means for you’, Australian Government Department Of Health & Aged Care, accessed 26 November 2024.

Australian Medical Association (28 November 2024) ‘Aged Care Act Passes Parliament-what you need to know ’, Australian Medical Association, accessed 2 December 2024.