Big changes are coming to aged care in Australia, and we’re here to help you stay informed. The new Aged Care Act commenced on 1 November 2025 and represents significant reform in Australia’s aged care system.
This rights-based legislation aims to place older individuals at the centre of care services, ensuring their needs and preferences are prioritised.
To find out more about what these changes mean, watch our video series below.
For further information, call our Aged Care Advocates on the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.
Your questions answered
There’s been a lot of talk about the new Aged Care Act.
In this video, Shawnee and David from Advocare answer some of the most common questions about rights, fees, assessments, and more. You can watch the full video or jump straight to the question you’re most interested in using the chapters below.
Chapters:
0:38 – Do I have new aged care rights, and what can I do if they’re ignored?
1:37 – How will things change the way I get assessed for my care?
2:29 – For people under 65, do they still have access to aged care supports?
2:55 – Changes to fees and contributions
4:44 – Dedicated funding for assistive technology and home modifications
Full video:
What the New Aged Care Act means for you
The new Aged Care Act puts older people first, promoting stronger protections, better standards, and greater choice.
In this video, we explain what the changes mean for you or your loved ones and how they aim to create a fairer, more respectful system.
You’re in Control:
The Client-Centred Aged Care Model
The new Aged Care Act is about putting you in control. This video explains how the reforms are shifting aged care to a client-centred model where your preferences, goals, and lifestyle come first.
Find out what more choice, more say, and more flexibility could mean for your aged care journey.
Fairer pricing in Aged Care!
Here’s what is changing
Worried about the cost of aged care?
This video breaks down how the new Aged Care Act introduces capped pricing, fairer fees, and more financial support, so you only pay for what you use.
Learn how these changes aim to make aged care more affordable and transparent for everyone.
Simpler Aged Care Assessments: What you need to know
Getting aged care support is now easier and faster. This video explains the simplified assessment and eligibility process under the new Aged Care Act so you can access the help you need, when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new Aged Care Act?
The new Act starts from 1 July 2025 and aims to ensure older people like you who access Commonwealth– funded aged care are treated with respect and have the quality of life they deserve.
This Act replaces existing legislation, including the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018. Its primary goal is to create a unified, rights-based framework that emphasises the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of older Australians.
What changes are being made to my home care services?
From 1 July 2025, the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme will be consolidated into a new ‘Support at Home’ program.
Support at Home will:
- better support you as an older person to remain independent at home through an increase in places, with an additional 300,000 people supported by 2034-35
- bring together current in-home aged care programs over time
- have new assessment and classification arrangements to ensure the program is more equitable
- increase focus on early interventions to help people to stay active and independent
- ensure higher levels of care for those with complex needs who require more help to remain at home.
As of 30 June 2025, individuals with a Home Care Package will retain their current funding level and any unspent funds under Support at Home.
If you are on the National Priority System or approved for a package by this date you will receive a Support at Home budget matching your approved level once available. If a new assessment qualifies you for higher funding, you will transition to the updated Support at Home classification when it becomes available.
Will there be changes to how my aged care services are assessed and how I access them?
Yes. The Act introduces a Single Assessment System to streamline the evaluation process for aged care services. This system is designed to be fair, culturally sensitive, and easier to navigate, so individuals receive appropriate care based on their specific needs.
How does the new Act address my rights as an older people?
The new Act has a Statement of Rights. This explains what rights you have as an older person when accessing Commonwealth– funded aged care services. The Statement of Rights will replace the current Charter of Aged Care Rights on 1 July 2025.
The Statement of Rights will help make sure you are at the centre of your aged care. It gives you the right to:
- make your own decisions about your own life
- have your decisions not just accepted, but respected
- get information and support to help you make decisions
- communicate your wishes, needs and preferences
- feel safe and respected
- have your culture and identity respected
- stay connected with your community.
Are there financial implications for me under the new system?
The Act introduces changes to funding and contributions, which will continue to be based on an equitable approach where no one will go without the essential supports they need based on their financial situation. Clinical costs will continue to be fully funded by the government, where non-clinical services may require a contribution. Contributions will now be based on the actual services delivered, rather than a flat rate daily cost contribution structure, as it currently is.
What support is available for families and caregivers during this transition?
The government has committed to providing clear guidance and resources to assist you, your family and your caregivers to understand the changes.
Our Aged Care Advocates will be here to support you through this transition. Contact us on the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.
