Role
The Transition Taskforce was engaged to work with the aged care sector through the transition to the new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025.
The Transition Taskforce provided oversight and stewardship of the:
- reforms to the aged care system included in the Aged Care Act 2024
- Government’s response to the Aged Care Taskforce.
The Transition Taskforce focussed on 5 priority areas:
- implementing the drafted Rules and other subordinate legislation
- education and training
- communication and change management support
- funding and fee structure
- data and digital.
In practice, the Transition Taskforce:
- worked to identify and address implementation issues and provided advice to us and the Minister for Aged Care
- monitored and evaluated the progress of reform projects and initiatives to align with overall strategic objectives
- identified and escalated issues that were likely to impact reform implementation and suggest solutions
- actively maintained high level oversight of risk management activities and identified where risk was not being effectively managed.
Members
The Transition Taskforce members had a range of expertise and experience of aged care. Membership included representation from:
- older people
- approved providers
- the workforce
- regulation
- service delivery
- education and training
- data and digital
- clinical care and primary care.
Anne Burgess AM was the Chair of the Transition Taskforce. Anne is also Chair of the Aged Care Council of Elders and a member of the National Aged Care Advisory Council (NACAC).
The Chair was joined by 19 members.
Members of the Transition Taskforce
| Anne Burgess AM | Chair |
| Sonja Stewart | Deputy Chair Deputy Secretary, Ageing and Aged Care Group, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing |
| Professor Tanya Buchanan | CEO, Dementia Australia |
| Annie Butler | Federal Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation |
| Professor Jody Currie | Professor of Practice, Queensland University of Technology |
| Dr Paresh Dawda | General Practitioner, Principal and Director, Presantia Health and Next Practice |
| Tim Dymond | Senior Policy Analyst, United Workers Union |
| Craig Gear OAM | CEO, Older Persons Advocacy Network |
| Amanda Hawton | General Manager, Home Health, Australian Unity |
| Liz Hefren-Webb | Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner |
| Emma Hossack | CEO, Medical Software Industry Association |
| Andrea Kelly | Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing |
| Claerwen Little | Former National Director, UnitingCare Australia |
| Deidre McGill | Chief Operating Officer, Home & Community Support, Bolton Clarke |
| Simon Miller | CEO, Anglicare |
| Natalie Molloy | Chief Clinical Officer, Warrigal |
| Sonya Smart | Chief Executive Officer, VMCH |
| Patricia Sparrow | CEO, COTA Australia |
| Tom Symondson | CEO, Ageing Australia (formerly named Aged and Community Care Providers Association) |
Stephen Teulan (November 2024 - June 2025) | Deputy Chair and Non-Executive Director, Catholic Health Australia |
| Lloyd Williams | National Secretary, Health Services Union |
Observers/co-opted representatives:
| Various |
|
Meetings
The Transition Taskforce met regularly to identify and address implementation issues and provide expert advice to support a smooth transition to the new Aged Care Act.
The Transition Taskforce met every 2-3 weeks or as required to discuss priority areas to support the transition process.
Members contributed across their areas of expertise to identify issues and propose solutions.
The Chair lead meetings and guided the work of the Transition Taskforce with the support of the Deputy Chair and members.
Read the Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Terms of Reference.
Meeting summaries
View a summary of topics discussed at each meeting:
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce - Summary of final meeting - 16 February 2026
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce - Summary of sixteenth meeting - 9 December 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of fifteenth meeting – 12 November 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of fourteenth meeting – 24 October 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of thirteenth meeting – 15 October 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of twelfth meeting – 24 September 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of eleventh meeting – 18 August 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of tenth meeting – 21 July 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of ninth meeting – 12 June 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of eighth meeting – 19 May 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of seventh meeting – 28 April 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of sixth meeting – 31 March 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of fifth meeting – 5 March 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of fourth meeting – 17 February 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of third meeting – 20 January 2025
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of second meeting – 11 December 2024
- Aged Care Transition Taskforce – Summary of first meeting – 28 November 2024
Resources
Find information to support your transition to the new Aged Care Act including links to topics discussed at our meetings:
Related committees or groups
The Aged Care Council of Elders are a direct voice to government on behalf of older people about changes to aged care and ageing well. Anne Burgess AM is the Chair of the Council of Elders.
The National Aged Care Advisory Council provides independent advice to the government on aged care policy with a focus on the aged care reforms.
The Aged Care Council of Elders and the National Aged Care Advisory Council continue to be an important conduit from the sector.
Related information
Find out more about:
- Navigating the reforms
- New Aged Care Act
- New aged care regulatory model
- Support at Home program
- Aged Care Taskforce
- Aged Care Council of Elders
- National Aged Care Advisory Council
Contact
