Understanding the New Aged Care Act

The Australian Government’s New Aged Care Act and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will take effect on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The new Act intends to strengthen Australia's aged care system. It focuses on empowering older people, increasing protections and offering more choice across care and services.

Opal HealthCare supports these upcoming changes.

Our values and the way we work have always placed our residents, their preferences and relationships at the centre of their care.

What's changing?

For our current permanent residents and their loved ones, not much will change. But there are some updates to be aware of.

For those entering permanent residential care after 1 November 2025, there are important changes that may impact you.

If you need some help understanding what the new Act might mean for you, we recommend calling OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) on 1800 700 600.

New Statement of Rights

The new Act includes a Statement of Rights outlining the rights that older people have when accessing aged care services. This will replace the current Charter of Rights.

The Statement of Rights includes the right for every individual to have:

• Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
• Equitable access
• Quality and safe funded aged care services
• Respect for privacy and information
• Person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
• Advocates, significant persons and social connections.

To read a plain language summary of the new Statement of Rights, click here.

Fees and Funding

In Australia, the amount you pay for your aged care depends on your personal and financial circumstances. The Government funds most aged care services, but those who can afford to contribute to the cost of their care are required to do so according to their assessed means.

If you entered permanent residential aged care before 1 November 2025, there will be no changes to your fees.

For older people who enter permanent care after 1 November 2025, fees and charges will vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Strengthened Standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of requirements that define what good care looks like and reflect the quality of care older people should expect. The Standards have been strengthened and will come into effect from 1 November 2025. These strengthened Standards are aligned with the way we already work at Opal HealthCare. Click here to see more.

Registered Supporters

From 1 November 2025, older people will have the option to nominate and register a 'Supporter’. Registered Supporters can help residents understand, make, and communicate decisions about their care. This is intended to ensure older people can make their own decisions, and maintain control over their own lives, for longer. Click here to see more.

Whistleblower Protections

The new Act makes it easier for people to come forward with concerns about misconduct or harm, and to ensure they’re protected when they do. From 1 November 2025, residents, family and anyone of significance to a resident can make a disclosure as a whistleblower. These disclosures can also be made to a wide group of people. Click here to see more.

What are we doing to prepare?

At Opal HealthCare, our residents are at the centre of everything we do.

While our ways of working and delivery of care are already strongly aligned with the incoming reforms, we’re also:

• Implementing training for our team to ensure we’re well prepared for the changes
• Co-ordinating our systems and processes with new regulations
• Ensuring our day-to-day delivery of excellent care is in line with the Strengthened Standards
• Communicating with our residents and their families so they understand the changes relevant to them