MAJOR changes to Australia’s aged care system came into effect on November 1, 2025, with the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program ushering in a rights-based approach, stronger safeguards, and clearer rules for both residential and home care.
The reforms introduce a strengthened Statement of Rights, a unified home-care program replacing existing packages, and new standards for providers, including mandatory 24/7 registered nurse coverage in residential aged care.
While widely regarded as long overdue, agencies warn the reforms may still fall short of addressing longstanding issues raised by the Aged Care Royal Commission. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation says workforce shortages remain a major barrier to achieving promised care standards.
A Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry, which released its report in October 2025, also warned that care continues to be rationed, with thousands still waiting for services. The committee described current delays as a “calculated denial of service” without further investment and a move toward an entitlement-based model.
Advocates further caution that some older people may pay more under the new system, with higher hourly rates in home care leading to reduced service hours for some clients.
Overall, the reforms mark an important step, but critics argue more investment, more staff, and a stronger home-care system are needed to deliver the safe, accessible, and genuinely person-centred care older Australians were promised.
COTA (Council on the Ageing) Australia chief executive Patricia Sparrow said the new Act is a foundation, not a finish line.
“No system is perfect from day one, and change of this scale takes time, but this Act gives us the tools to create a care system that truly supports older Australians,” Ms Sparrow said. “We will be monitoring the changes closely to ensure the new system delivers on its promise.
“Older Australians need confidence that the Government’s commitment – that no one will be worse off – will be honoured,” she said. “The Government has a clear mandate to ensure the new system delivers care that is accessible, affordable, and equitable for every older Australian – regardless of background or postcode.
“We remain deeply concerned that showering has been excluded from clinical care under the new Support at Home program. We’ve raised this directly with Government and will continue to advocate strongly for this to be addressed.”
Older Australians, carers and families can find more information at www.myagedcare.gov.au, through the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422, or by speaking directly with aged-care providers, care finders, or local support organisations.
