The Australian Government is continuing its work to deliver generational aged care reforms, today releasing the final draft of the new Aged Care Rules that will guide the sector in these reforms.
This is about making sure aged care providers have the tools they need to deliver the best care for older Australians.
Set to commence alongside the new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025, the new Rules have been developed after seven consultation drafts, and in response to more than 400 submissions from aged care providers, advocates, workers, carers, healthcare experts and older people themselves.
The Rules set out how the aged care sector provides care to our older loved ones, covering issues from residential care to Home Support Packages, worker screening, vaccinations and financial obligations in aged care.
The Rules provide further detail and instruction on how the new Act will work – and we’re getting them out well ahead of the Act’s commencement to make sure aged care providers have the time they need to prepare their systems, processes and workforce.
The release of the Rules follows the introduction of amending legislation to Parliament last week, which paves the way for a smooth transition to the new Aged Care Act.
Read more about the new Aged Care Rules and the consultation process, and access important resources to help prepare for the Act.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae
"We’re getting on with the job of delivering generational change to make sure every older Australian can live with the best care, dignity and support.
"The release of the Rules is another meaningful step towards a new rights-based Aged Care Act that delivers the dignified care older Australians deserve.
"We’ve released the Rules 3 months before the new Act comes into force, giving providers time to implement new systems and processes, and train workers to deliver the best care to our loved ones."