Understanding the Aged Care Reforms
The new reforms will take place from 1 November 2025 following a decision made by the Australian Government to delay the start of the new Aged Care Act.
These reforms will improve quality, safety, and transparency in aged care. We’re here to guide you through them.
What is Changing & Why it Matters
On November 1, 2025 (previously planned for July 1), significant changes to Australia’s aged care system will take effect. These reforms aim to create a better experience for older Australians by improving care standards, increasing transparency, and empowering residents and families with more information and choice.
We believe these changes are a step in the right direction and we’re here to help you understand exactly what they mean for you or your loved one.
What the Aged Care Reforms Include
NEW AGED CARE ACT
A new Aged Care Act is being introduced to make the rights of older Australians the foundation of all care services. This means every person in care will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and will have greater power to make decisions about their own care. The Act will legally protect your right to safe, quality, and person-centred support.
STRENGTHENED QUALITY STANDARDS
The Quality Standards that aged care providers must meet are being strengthened. This includes:
Clearer expectations around meal quality and nutrition
Safer environments, especially around medication and infection control
More consistent and personalised care planning to suit each individual’s needs and preferences
These updates aim to deliver a better day-to-day experience for residents and their families.
CARE MINUTES & STAFFING
All aged care homes must deliver an adjusted minimum number of care minutes each day, meaning more direct care time for each resident. This includes more time with both registered nurses and personal care workers. The goal is to improve responsiveness, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
PROVIDER ACCOUNTABILITY
Aged care providers will face stricter reporting requirements, especially around quality and safety. Families and residents will be able to see more detailed, publicly available data about how providers are performing. This means more accountability, and more peace of mind when choosing or staying in a care home.
INCREASED CONSUMER VOICE
A new, more robust system will ensure that feedback and complaints from residents and families are taken seriously, and resolved promptly. These changes make it easier to speak up, knowing your voice will lead to real action. There will also be stronger protections for whistleblowers and vulnerable individuals.
Your Questions Answered: What the New Aged Care Act Means for You
How will the new Act & standards affect residents & representatives on a day-to-day level?
Has Infinite started instigating the changes?
Why is the Aged Care Act called a “rights based” Act?
What changes will we start to see now?
How have my rights changed since the introduction of the Aged Care Act?
As residents and carers, what do we need to do?
What are these reforms for?
Will we actually notice the changes?
What does the new Aged Care Act and standards mean for Infinite?
How We’re Responding to the New Aged Care Act
Hear how we are addressing and actioning key changes coming with the new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025. We outline what you can expect, from strengthened rights and safety standards to more personalised care and greater involvement in decision-making.
Download this handy summary to read how we’re embracing the reforms to create a more connected, respectful, and empowering aged care experience for every resident.
Useful Resources
- Higher Everyday Living Fee Fact Sheet
- Response to the Aged Care Task Force - Residential Care Contribution
- Response to the Aged Care Task Force - Accommodation Reform
- Exploring Aged Care New Aged Care Act Resource for Individuals
- Fact Sheet Changing Aged Care for the Better
- The New Aged Care Act Puts Older People at the Centre of Aged Care
- A New Aged Care Act for the Rights of Older People
- A New Aged Care Act for the Rights of Older People
- Code of Conduct for Aged Care Consumer Fact Sheet
- Code of Conduct for Aged Care Consumer Guidance
- Fact Sheet You Have the Right to Quality and Safe Care
- Statement of Rights Department of Health and Aged Care
- Strengthened Quality Standards Poster for Older People
- Aged Care Act What is New or Changing for Older People
What the Aged Care Reforms Include
