Australia’s New Aged Care Act Is Now in Force: What Families Need to Know

Last Updated on September 18, 2026

Jurisdiction: Australia. Information reviewed 28 July 2026.

Australia’s new aged care system is no longer an approaching reform. The Aged Care Act 2024 began on 1 November 2025, replacing the Aged Care Act 1997. On the same day, the Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

For older Australians and their families, the practical questions aren’t about legislative architecture. They’re simpler: What help can we get? Who decides? What might we have to pay? What rights do we have if the service is poor? This guide answers those questions without pretending a major transition is entirely free of potholes.

The five changes that matter most

1. Older people’s rights sit at the centre of the law

The Act includes a Statement of Rights covering dignity, respect, privacy, independence, choice, communication, culture, personal safety and freedom from abuse and neglect. Registered providers have a duty to act consistently with those rights.

This doesn’t guarantee every disagreement will be resolved instantly. It does give older people, supporters and advocates a clearer standard against which care can be judged. A person should be involved in decisions about their care, receive information in a form they can understand, and be able to complain without fear of punishment.

2. There is a Single Assessment System

The government has moved to one assessment system for Commonwealth-funded aged care, aiming to reduce repeated assessments and make it easier to move between services as needs change. Access generally begins through My Aged Care, online or by phone on 1800 200 422.

An assessment is not a test to be passed with stoic optimism. Describe what an ordinary week is really like, including falls, fatigue, memory problems, medication difficulties, showering, meals, transport and the strain on an unpaid carer. Tidying the house and performing heroic competence for the assessor can produce a plan for a fictional person.

3. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages

Support at Home can fund three broad groups of assistance:

• Clinical care, such as nursing and some allied-health services.
• Independence support, including personal care, transport, assistive technology and home modifications.
• Everyday living help, such as cleaning, gardening, meals and shopping assistance.

Budgets are generally set quarterly, with service categories and contribution rules affecting how funds can be used. Clinical care is government-funded. Contributions for independence and everyday-living services depend on the service and the person’s financial circumstances. Don’t assume that an approved budget means every requested service is free.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme hasn’t disappeared yet. Its transition to Support at Home is scheduled for no earlier than 1 July 2027. That distinction matters, because two neighbours receiving similar help may temporarily be operating under different arrangements.

4. Providers face a new registration and regulatory model

Providers register in categories linked to the services they deliver, and residential aged care homes must be approved. Strengthened Quality Standards and regulatory powers are intended to make oversight more consistent and responsive.

Families should still do their own checking. Ask who will provide the service, how continuity of workers is managed, what happens after hours, how complaints are handled and which fees can change. Regulation is essential; it is not a substitute for reading the service agreement.

5. Fees and contributions changed

The new arrangements separate government-funded clinical care from contributions toward some non-clinical services. Residential care can involve a basic daily fee, means-tested contributions, accommodation costs and other agreed services. The exact result depends on when the person entered care, their means and whether transitional protections apply.

People already receiving services before 1 November 2025 may be covered by “no worse off” protections or transitional rules. Someone entering care now may face different arrangements from a long-standing resident. This is why a neighbour’s bill, or a three-year-old online article, isn’t a reliable calculator.

A practical checklist before agreeing to care

1. Ask for the assessment outcome and support plan in writing.
2. Confirm which program and contribution rules apply to the person.
3. Request a written schedule of prices, including administration, travel, cancellation and package-management charges.
4. Ask which services are clinical, independence or everyday-living services, and what contribution applies to each.
5. Check how often prices can change and how much notice must be given.
6. Clarify what happens to unspent funds and whether services can be changed during a quarter.
7. For residential care, obtain a personalised fee estimate and independent financial advice before choosing between accommodation-payment options.
8. Record important conversations and keep copies of agreements, invoices and care plans.

If something goes wrong

Start with the provider if it’s safe and practical. State the problem, the outcome you want and when you need a response. If the issue isn’t resolved, or involves safety, neglect, abuse or serious quality concerns, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network offers free, independent and confidential aged care advocacy. Its national number is 1800 700 600. An advocate can help a person understand their rights, prepare for meetings and raise concerns without taking control away from them.

What families should do now

If no care is currently needed, learn where to start and discuss preferences before a crisis. If an assessment or service is already underway, check that the paperwork reflects the person’s actual needs. If a provider’s new prices or agreement are unclear, ask for an explanation and compare alternatives where available.

How the transition affects different people

People already receiving a Home Care Package

Existing recipients moved into Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Their approved level and transition protections can affect their budget and contributions. Families should compare the new service agreement with the services previously delivered, check how any unspent funds are recorded, and ask what happens if needs increase. A provider should be able to explain each charge in ordinary language.

People receiving CHSP services

Commonwealth Home Support Programme clients remain in that program during the staged transition. They shouldn’t assume every Support at Home rule already applies to them. If needs become more complex, My Aged Care can advise whether reassessment or another program is appropriate.

People entering residential care

New residents should receive a clear explanation of care contributions, everyday living fees and accommodation arrangements before signing. Accommodation may be paid through a refundable deposit, daily payment or combination, depending on circumstances and the home’s published price. The financial consequences can be substantial, including effects on cash flow, assets and means testing. This is one area where independent aged-care financial advice may readily earn its keep.

People appointed as supporters

Supported decision-making means helping the older person understand choices and communicate decisions; it doesn’t automatically transfer decision-making power. Families should distinguish an aged-care supporter role from enduring powers of attorney, guardianship and medical decision-making arrangements under state or territory law.

Questions worth asking a provider

• Can we choose or change regular workers, and what happens when they’re unavailable?
• Which services have waiting lists, minimum visit times or travel charges?
• How are missed visits, late cancellations and public holidays charged?
• Which tasks are included in personal care, cleaning, gardening or nursing?
• Who reviews the care plan, and how do we request a reassessment?
• What reports or statements will show how the budget has been spent?
• How does the provider identify and report incidents, medication errors or suspected abuse?
• Can an independent advocate attend meetings?

Write down the answers. A confident verbal assurance is pleasant; a clear agreement is useful.

The new Act is a stronger rights-based foundation, but laws don’t choose a provider, notice a poor roster or query a puzzling invoice. The best protection is a combination of enforceable rights, clear records, informed questions and advocacy when required.

This article provides general information, not legal, financial or aged-care advice. Rules and contribution settings can change. Confirm your circumstances with My Aged Care, Services Australia, the relevant provider or a qualified adviser.