HISTORIC AGED CARE REFORM PASSES PARLIAMENT
The Albanese Labor Government's Aged Care Bill has today passed Parliament, ensuring once-in-a-generation reforms to aged care.
The historic passing of this Bill and a new Aged Care Act means older Australians and their loved ones will access a better system that puts quality care and safety first.
The rights of older people are now at the heart of the Aged Care Act, as we build a new way of working that values the safety, dignity and respect of older people in aged care.
The Albanese Labor Government has now addressed the number one recommendation of the Royal Commission and 57 further recommendations through the passing of the Bill.
Starting from 1 July 2025, the new Act will deliver a range of improvements including a tougher regulatory model, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and a Statement of Rights to ensure older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
Older people and their loved ones will have a greater say about the care and services they receive.
This includes protections to speak up when they're not satisfied and better equipping providers to handle complaints more effectively.
The new Act also acknowledges older people want to stay in their own homes for longer so they can remain healthy, active and socially connected - enacting a new Support at Home program to help them do just that.
Our 11.3 billion dollar investment in worker pay rises, capped management fees and improved transparency around the finances and operations of providers.
Further information on the new Act is available at: health.gov.au/aged-care-act.