If you work in the aged care sector, please see our news and announcements for the aged care sector to stay up to date with changes.
Public news
Your Aged Care Update newsletter issue #20
In this issue, Support at Home program to commence from 1 July 2025, Get involved: Provider workforce survey opens tomorrow.
Volunteers in aged care consultation open
We are seeking feedback from aged care volunteers, volunteer managers, and aged care providers to shape the future of aged care volunteering.
Your aged care update #13, 2023
Your Aged Care Update #13: Star Ratings provider previews, volunteer training survey, latest HCP data report, and more.
Reminder: Have your say on the National Dementia Action Plan
The National Dementia Action Plan is open for consultation. Find out about the plan and how to provide feedback.
Your Aged Care Update issue 32, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #32: Minister's message, SIRS resources for home care, operational hours over holiday period, and more.
Watch the webinar for Home Care Packages Program pricing changes now
We have now published the webinar for providers in the Home Care Packages Program on the pricing changes starting in January 2023. We have also published a list of questions that we received on the day.
Your Aged Care Update issue 30, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #30: New requirements in place: Provider Governance, Code of Conduct for Aged Care, Serious Incident Response Scheme, Restrictive Practices and more.
Recognising our aged care volunteers
We recognise and celebrates our dedicated aged care volunteers today on International Volunteer Day.
Have your say: National Dementia Action Plan
The National Dementia Action Plan is open for consultation. Find out about the plan and how to provide feedback.
New residential aged care quality indicators
We are introducing new quality indicators in residential aged care from 1 April 2023. Learn more about these quality indicators.
Expansion of quality indicators in aged care
The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program) is expanding in residential and in-home aged care. Learn more about how we will do this.
Chief Medical Officer’s statement on standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, about the standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities.
Flu treatment deployment in residential aged care
To prepare for the winter season the flu treatment, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), will be deployed in residential aged care next week.
Health Funding Facts update
The Australian Government announced a record $503 billion investment in our universal health system in the 2021–22 Budget. We’ve updated our Health Funding Facts tool to use the latest figures. Find out more about our key investment areas.
Release of the concept paper – Concepts for a new framework for regulating aged care
We have released a concept paper outlining a new, improved approach to regulating aged care.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on visitation in residential aged care facilities
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on National Principles for Infection Prevention and Control in Quarantine.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan's opinion piece on aged care workforce vaccination
An opinion piece from Professor Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer on the positive vaccination rates among the aged care workforce.
Rapid antigen testing continues in NSW for aged care
The Australian Government continues to make rapid antigen test (RAT) kits available to the services and providers in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW.
A little support can make a big difference this Dementia Action Week
Find out the simple things you can do to help support people living with dementia.
Dementia in Australia report
The Dementia in Australia 2021 report is the first of its kind in almost 10 years. Prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it shows how the impact of dementia is growing in Australia.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan's opinion piece on aged care and COVID-19 vaccination
An opinion piece from Professor Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in aged care and the benefits of vaccination.
Are you ready for a life changing life?
The care and support sector is now hiring!
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer opinion piece on improved COVID safety levels in Victorian residential aged care facilities
An opinion piece from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan, PSM, on the greatly improved COVID safety levels in Victorian residential aged care facilities.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for aged care workers
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for aged care workers.
Arcare Maidstone second COVID-19 case
A media release from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre regarding a second positive case at Arcare Maidstone.
Flood information and support
The floods affecting New South Wales and Queensland can also impact our health in many ways. Learn more on how you can access medical help you need, and what the Australian Government is doing to support your health during this time.
Get involved in National Advance Care Planning Week 2021
Important life choices are planned, not left to chance. Find out what you can do today to ensure more control over your healthcare choices into the future. Whether it’s for you or someone you love, get involved in National Advance Care Planning Week - 22–26 March 2021.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on COVID-19 and influenza vaccination requirements for aged care workers
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on COVID-19 and influenza vaccination requirements for aged care workers.
Extending MBS mental health support for aged care residents
The Australian Government is expanding eligibility for the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. Find out more.
Aged care outbreaks decline as efforts focus on prevention and recovery
As COVID-19 case numbers in aged care continue to fall in Victoria in line with the fall in community transmission, the Response Centre is shifting gear to focus on prevention and recovery, including returning residents to their homes, whilst continuing to support facilities with existing outbreaks.
Response Centre marks 7 weeks in operation
In its first 7 weeks of operations, the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre has worked at rapid pace to deploy much-needed resources and expand operational capacity as part of its robust effort to stabilise Victoria’s residential aged care sector.
Australian first – aged care hub network rolled out in record time
In an Australian first, the federal government has established the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre and a health services hub network which unifies the efforts of the public and private health systems.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) statement on the national COVID-19 response for residential aged care facilities
AHPPC recognised early in the COVID-19 pandemic that residents of RACFs were particularly vulnerable, and at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Accordingly, the health and wellbeing of this population has been in the deliberations of the AHPPC throughout the pandemic.
Reinforcement of Australia's aged care sector
The Australian Government will scale up aged care support programs in Victoria and across Australia with an additional $171.5 million to boost a new COVID-19 response plan agreed by all states and territories at National Cabinet today.
Financial support for aged care providers directly impacted by COVID-19
Two funding grants are available to help aged care providers manage the financial impact of COVID-19. Find out about the grants, how they are different and understand which ones you can apply for.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer press conference about COVID-19 on 10 August 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's press conference about COVID-19 on 10 August 2020.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer opinion piece on the Community transmission of COVID-19 into aged care
An opinion piece from Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd AM about on the Community transmission of COVID-19 into aged care.
Strong start in the national response to Victorian aged care pandemic
A media release from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre about the strong start in the national response to Victorian aged care pandemic.
St Basil’s aged care residents transferred to hospital
A media release from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre about the transfer of St Basil's aged care residents to hospital.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) update to residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19
A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to update residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer interview on 3AW Saturday Night on 9 May 2020
Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd's interview on 9 May 2020 on 3AW Saturday night about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Consultation on draft Aged Care Visitor Access Code
A Visitor Access Code to ensure a nationally consistent visitation policy to residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 crisis is now open for consultation.
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice on residential aged care facilities
Advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) for residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19.
Measures to support Senior Australians and those who care for them
The Australian Government has announced new measures for the aged care sector to strengthen Australia’s defence against COVID-19.
Advice for aged care facilities and visitors to residents
COVID-19 is a health risk for older people. We have applied new restrictions to protect them.
Call for Submissions: Earle Haven Retirement Village
The Chair of the Inquiry into the events at Earle Haven Retirement Village on 11 July 2019 has called for public submissions to inform her investigation.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update – 21 November 2022
Read the latest update to the aged care sector and register for the upcoming COVID-19 webinar.
Last updated: