The New Aged Care Act – What It Means for You?

01 Nov, 2025 St Basil's

Australia’s new Aged Care Act came into effect on 1 November 2025, marking a major step forward in creating a rights-based aged care system. This reform is designed to ensure older Australians receive care that is safe, respectful, and tailored to individual needs.

Please click below for a quick guide for older people and their supporters, including family members and carers, on the key changes.

New Aged Care Act

Key changes include enhanced rights and protections for older people, stronger rules and regulations for providers, higher quality care, easier access and entry to services, greater choice and transparency and a stronger workforce.

Learn more by watching the video:

New Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Key improvements include:

Better meal quality and nutrition - with clearer expectations around food standards and the overall dining experience.

Personalised care through active partnerships - care planning that reflects each individual’s needs, goals and preferences, developed in collaboration with older people and those who support them.

Stronger governance - with improved systems for both organisational and clinical governance to ensure accountability and quality.

Useful resources to learn more about the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Statement of Rights: Rights-Based Approach

Dignity, autonomy, and inclusion in every care decision. St Basil’s supports the national shift toward a rights-based aged care system that places older people at the centre of every decision. We recognise the inherent dignity and autonomy of each individual, ensuring that their rights, preferences, and voices guide all aspects of care.

Learn more:

A new Aged Care Act for the rights of older people

Video: Your aged care rights | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Registered Supporters Framework : Supported Decision Making

The new framework ensures that every older person receiving care can be supported by a trusted representative who helps them make informed choices. At St Basil’s, we partner with older people and their supporters to strengthen advocacy, transparency, and supported decision-making.

Useful resources to learn more about Supported Decision-Making

Video:

Feedback and Complaints

The New Aged Care Act 2024 introduces a strengthened framework for feedback, complaints, and whistleblowing, designed to promote safety, transparency, and continuous improvement in aged care.

Older people, their supporters, and aged care workers are now supported to raise concerns or provide feedback without fear of retaliation. The Act requires providers to implement safe and confidential reporting systems.

Importantly, the Act encourages meaningful consumer participation through Consumer Advisory Bodies. These bodies help ensure that the voices of older people are central to service design and governance.

If you're interested in joining our Consumer Advisory Body, please email quality@stbasils.org.au or call St Basil’s at 1300 367 551 and ask to speak with a General Manager.

Learn more:

Aged care whistleblower protections | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Consumer advisory body guide

A trusted aged care workforce

The aged care workforce is a key part of making aged care safe and respectful. The new Aged Care Act introduces laws to make sure workers deliver the safe, high quality, rights-based care you deserve.

Learn more by watching the video: A trusted aged care workforce | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Other Useful Resources