Nutrition rights enshrined in historic aged care reform
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The new Aged Care Act has enshrined the role of dietitians in legislation, marking a milestone in improving the nutrition and well-being of older Australians.
With the passage of the Act through Parliament, Australia’s aged care system is undergoing transformative reform, placing nutrition at the forefront of care. Starting July 2025, all residential aged care providers will be required to have their menus and mealtime experiences reviewed annually by accredited practising dietitians under strengthened Quality Standards.
Dietitians Australia, a key advocate for better food standards in aged care, celebrated the reform as a historic victory.
“As a profession, we’ve been advocating for better food and nutrition in aged care for decades, and this week marks the moment in history that nutrition rights and dietitians have become enshrined in the new Aged Care Act,” said Dietitians Australia President Tara Diversi.
The Act’s new Quality Standard (Standard 6: Food and Nutrition) mandates a collaborative approach to menu design, involving chefs, cooks, dietitians, and older residents to ensure meals are both nutritious and aligned with personal preferences.
Diversi emphasised the critical role dietitians will play in addressing malnutrition and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
“Dietitians will work alongside you, your community, and your teams to ensure that the food and drink provided to older adults cater to their tastes and unique nutritional requirements,” she said. “By working together, we can ensure Australia’s residential aged care facilities are places where older people experience a high quality of life, and malnutrition in aged care facilities can finally be left in the past.”
The enshrinement of nutrition rights is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s sweeping aged care reforms under the new Act. These include enhanced regulatory standards, a $4.3 billion Support at Home program, and increased funding for worker pay rises and care quality.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells reiterated the government’s commitment to older Australians, saying, “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.
The collaboration between aged care providers and dietitians will be key to implementing the nutrition reforms effectively. Providers are encouraged to begin preparing for the transition to meet the strengthened standards, ensuring compliance by the July 2025 deadline.
“We thank Minister Anika Wells for her unwavering commitment to the nutrition rights of older Australians,” Diversi said. “This reform ensures food and nutrition will never again be overlooked in aged care.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
