New Aged Care Bill for 2025: A Step Forward for Australia’s Elderly

The new aged care act passed on November 25, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s journey to improve the quality and accessibility of care for its older citizens. This new legislation, which replaces the outdated Aged Care Act 1997, introduces a rights-based framework designed to address key recommendations from the Royal Commission into aged Care Quality and Safety.

 Key Highlights of the Aged Care Act  

1. Focus on Rights and Quality
   Thew new act prioritises the rights of aged care recipients, emphasising dignity, autonomy and safety. It aims to raise the standard of care across home, community, and residential care settings by encouraging providers to deliver services aligned with these principles.
2. Response to Community input
   Extensive public consultations shaped the Bill, reflecting the concerns and suggestions of stakeholders, including families, caregivers, and advocacy groups. The government sought to ensure the reforms are both impactful and practical.
3. Sustainability and Future-Focused Funding
   In line with advice from the Aged Care Taskforce, the legislation incorporates measures to ensure sustainable funding for the aged care sector. This focus aims to support long-term improvements while addressing the challenges posed by an aging population.
4. Alignment with Royal Commission Recommendations
   The bill integrates around 57 of the recommendations from the Royal Commission, addressing systematic issues and reinforcing accountability measures for care providers.

What’s Next?

The Aged Care Act will officially take effect on July 1, 2025. In the interim, the government will finalise the rules and regulations that will underpin the new framework, with further input from the community expected during this process. The reforms signify a commitment to a safer, more equitable system for older Australians and aim to rebuild trust in the sector.

While the passing of this Bill is a positive step, the transition to the new system will require robust implementation strategies and ongoing monitoring to ensure the intended benefits reach those who need them most.

For more detailed information, visit the Department of Health & Aged Care or Parliament of Australia.

Read more about the (2018) Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, here.