The Aged Care Act 2024 Has Arrived: What Providers Need to Know
It’s official — Australia’s aged care system has changed. On 1 November 2025, the Aged Care Act 2024 came into effect, bringing in new rules, higher standards, and a stronger focus on the rights of older Australians.
If you’re a provider, this isn’t just paperwork. It’s about delivering better care, protecting your clients, and staying compliant. Here’s what you need to know.
Why This Act Matters
The Royal Commission found that the old system sometimes failed older Australians. Too often, people didn’t feel heard, safe, or respected. The new Act changes that.
It puts older people first. Everyone in aged care, staff, managers, and leaders. Now has a clear duty to protect their rights, privacy, and dignity.
Clearer Rules, Simpler Compliance
Forget confusing registrations and overlapping rules. The new Act introduces a single registration for all aged care services you provide, whether at home or in residential care.
It also creates a more consistent regulatory system. This helps providers understand what’s expected and makes care safer for everyone.
Higher Standards for Quality and Safety
Quality standards are now stronger and clearer. They cover everything from clinical care to cultural safety.
Providers need to check their policies, train staff, and make sure care meets these new standards. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about real improvements for older Australians.
Leadership Responsibilities Are Bigger
Leaders now have legal duties to prevent harm. Board members and executives must ensure governance is strong, risks are managed, and reporting is accurate.
Complaints and Feedback Are Key
Older Australians now have better rights to give feedback and make complaints. Providers must have clear, fair processes that are easy to use. Listening to concerns isn’t just good practice — it’s required.
Financial Transparency and Home Care
The new Act updates fees, funding, and the Support at Home program. Providers must be transparent about costs, how means testing works, and what clients can expect.
Cultural Safety and Person-Centred Care
Cultural safety is crucial, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Providers must respect identity, beliefs, and preferences, delivering care that is truly person-centred.
How Technology Can Make Life Easier
You don’t have to do this alone. Technology can help you:
Keep digital care records up-to-date
Automate reporting and audits
Track staff training and certifications
Manage complaints and feedback efficiently
Use dashboards to spot risks and monitor compliance
The less time spent on admin, the more time staff can focus on care.
Steps to Get Compliance Ready
Here’s a simple checklist:
Check your registration under the new system
Update policies and procedures for the Statement of Rights
Train staff and leaders on new duties and standards
Audit care practices and make improvements
Review fees and agreements for transparency
Streamline complaints and feedback processes
Embed cultural safety and person-centred care
Use technology to track compliance and reduce admin
Bottom Line
The Aged Care Act 2024 isn’t just rules. It’s about better care, stronger accountability, and putting people first.
Providers who embrace the changes, train their teams, and use the right tools will not only meet the law, they’ll make life safer, fairer, and better for older Australians.
Need Help Staying Compliant?
The Aged Care Act 2024 brings big changes, but you don’t have to face them alone. Stay compliant by partnering with QTX, with smart, easy-to-use tools designed for aged care providers.
Contact us today to see how QTX can help your organisation stay audit-ready, reduce admin, and focus on delivering quality care.