What are the key changes in the new aged care act?
Australia's new Aged Care Act (2024) officially commenced on 1 November 2025. This landmark legislation is an important step forward for the entire aged care sector. Designed to place older people’s needs and rights at the centre of care, this legislation establishes a new benchmark for aged care, with a more person-centred, transparent and accountable framework.
Older Australians want their choices respected and their voices heard. The new Act strengthens these protections, giving residents greater confidence in the care they receive.
Grounded in human rights principles, the new Act ensures every older person in care is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness — values deeply aligned with Anglicare’s mission.
Putting older people at the centre of their care journey
The new Act includes a Statement of Rights which outlines the rights that older people in the aged care system should expect when seeking or accessing government-funded aged care services.
The Statement of Rights gives older people the right to:
- Make their own decisions about their own life
- Have their decision not just accepted, but respected
- Get information and support to help them make decisions
- Communicate their wishes, needs and preferences
- Feel safe and respected
- Have their culture and identity respected
- Stay connected with their community
Anglicare’s long-established Rhythm of Life® approach to residential aged care — our model for person-centred care — reflects the same values and principles in the Statement of Rights within the new Act.
Simplifying the process to access government-funded aged care services
As part of the new Act and in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safely, the government established a new Single Assessment System to simplify and improve aged care needs assessments.
This new system aims to make it easier for older people to access government-funded aged care services as their needs change.
The new single assessment system will ensure older people don’t have to change assessment providers as their needs change, improve access in regional and remote areas, and reduce wait times to access aged care needs assessments.
Changing the way Australians pay for residential aged care
The new Act brings some important changes to the way Australians pay for residential aged care from 1 November 2025. Except for the change from additional or extra services to higher everyday living, there will be no changes for residents who were living in aged care homes prior to that date.
With an aging population, the aim of these changes to fees and payments is to ensure a sustainable system that is equitable in terms of access. The changes to means tested fees are a critical component to ensure both sustainability and equitability of the system.
To learn more about the fees and charges for residential aged care after 1 November 2025 – download this fees and charges guide.
Introduction of greater choice with higher everyday living services
After 1 November 2025, additional services or extra services will be replaced by higher everyday living services. These services are at a higher standard, or additional to, what is required by the government. The fees associated with these services are set by the provider and are optional for residents.
While reaching the implementation date of 1 November was an important milestone, this next phase is about embedding these changes into everyday care, ensuring they truly enhance the lives of residents and support Anglicare’s ongoing commitment to person-centred care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a new Aged Care Act and what are the changes?
What has changed under the new strengthened Quality Standards for aged care?
How can I access residential aged care under the new Act?
What are the changes to fees and charges for residential care under the new Act?
How does Anglicare handle complaints, feedback and whistleblowers in residential aged care?
What is Anglicare doing to prepare residential care for the new Act?
How does Anglicare support residents to have a say in their care?
Don't miss the next article, subscribe below.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.