Aged Care Act reforms

The new Aged Care Act came into effect on 1 November 2025, introducing reforms intended to improve the quality of care and protect the rights of people receiving aged care services in Australia.

Click here for a summary of the seven key changes to the Act.

Aged Care reforms explained

The new Act places older people at the heart of aged care, with an increased focus on supported decision making and making it easier for families to navigate the system.

The Act’s greater focus on transparency means there is more oversight of aged care providers, along with greater protections for speaking up when making a complaint or reporting a concern.

It also introduces three new key aspects

• A Statement of Rights that outlines the rights of older people in receiving respectful, safe and quality care. 
• The Act strengthens the Aged Care Quality Standards that older people can expect from their aged care providers, setting clearer expectations on clinical care, food, dementia support, diversity and governance. 
• A Support at Home program that replaces the current in-home aged care programs.

Useful resources

Click below for information from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

• About the new rights-based Aged Care Act
• Exploring Aged Care
• About the Aged Care 2024 Act
• A new rights-based Aged Care Act
• The new Aged Care Act visual
• Statement of Rights
• Strengthened Quality Standards
• Supported decision-making under the new Aged Care Act
• Single Assessment System Fact Sheet
• Protection for Whistleblowers

The infographic below outlines the main parts of the new Act and how they work together

What Ryman has done to prepare for the changes

At Ryman, we’re committed to delivering high-quality care that respects your rights, supports your independence, and adapts to your needs. Your rights are always at the heart of the care we provide, and the new Aged Care Act offers greater clarity on what those rights are and how they can be upheld.

Our services, policies, and procedures align with the new requirements, and we’re here to guide and support you through the changes. 

Support at Home resources

Information about changes to the Support at Home program

• Support at Home Fact Sheet
• Support at Home Program Handbook
• Support at Home Frequently Asked Questions
• Changes to Support at Home Pricing Arrangements
• Summary of indicative Support at Home prices
• Consumer protections for Support at Home prices
• Support at Home Service List
• What you need to do to prepare to move to Support at Home

Contact us

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