From 1 November 2025, Australia’s new Aged Care Act 2024 will come into effect. This change is one of the biggest updates to the aged care system in decades. It’s designed to make the system fairer, easier to understand and more respectful of older Australians.
Why the Change?
The old laws were written back in 1997, and over time, the system became confusing and hard to navigate. Reports and reviews found that some older people didn’t always feel heard or respected in the process.
The new Aged Care Act is being introduced to fix that. It focuses on people first, not just the services. That means everything, including funding, assessments, rules and standards, will now be built around the idea that older Australians have the right to live with dignity, safety and choice.
Your Rights Under the New Act
At the heart of the new law is a Statement of Rights. This clearly sets out what you can expect when receiving aged care, whether at home or in a residential facility.
You’ll have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- Make your own decisions about your life and care.
- Feel safe and protected from abuse or neglect.
- Have your culture, language and background respected.
- Speak up if something isn’t right, without fear of losing services.
These rights are not just words on paper. Providers will be legally required to follow them. There will be stronger accountability and if something goes wrong, there will be clearer ways to report it.
More Control Over Your Care
One of the biggest changes is that older people will have more control over the care they receive. This means you’ll be able to make choices that reflect your own needs, goals, and lifestyle.
For example:
- You’ll help design your care plan, rather than having one decided for you.
- You’ll have the option to choose between different types of services, such as home support or residential care.
- You’ll be able to change providers more easily if you’re not happy with the service.
The aim is to move away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, the new system will encourage conversations between you and your care provider about what really matters to you—whether that’s staying active, connecting with your community or keeping certain routines.
Easier Access to Services
Under the current system, many people find it hard to understand where to start or how to apply for care. The new Act introduces a “single entry point” for aged care services.
This means:
- There will be one main process for assessments and referrals.
- You’ll no longer have to tell your story to multiple people or fill out different forms for different programs.
- Your information will be stored safely, so every part of the system works together to support you.
The goal is to make aged care simpler, more connected and less stressful for older people and their families.
A Focus on Quality and Safety
The new law also strengthens the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. The agency will continue to check that providers meet national quality standards, but it will now have greater powers to take action when things go wrong.
For you, this means:
- Better monitoring of care homes and home-care services.
- More transparency—providers will need to be clear about what they offer, how much it costs and how they perform.
- A simpler complaints process that’s easier to access and understand.
If you ever feel that your care isn’t up to standard, you’ll know exactly who to contact and what steps will be taken.
What It Means for Families and Carers
Families and carers will also benefit from the changes. Many carers have said they feel left out of decision-making or unsure where to turn for help.
Under the new Act:
- Carers will have more chances to be involved in planning and reviewing care.
- They’ll receive clearer information about available services and support.
- There will be more recognition of the important role carers play in the wellbeing of older people.
This shift recognises that aged care isn’t just about the individual—it’s about the network of people around them.
Why It Matters
This reform isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every older Australian, regardless of where they live or what their background is, can access safe, respectful, and high-quality care.
The Act sends a clear message:
Older Australians are not “clients” or “cases.” They are individuals with stories, values, and the right to make decisions about their own lives.
That principle—respect for the person—will guide the system from here on.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
