What the New Aged Care Act Means for Providers — and How to Get Ready
In November 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Aged Care Act 2024.
It is one of the most significant reforms in the country’s aged care system in decades.
The new law will take effect on November 1, 2025, giving providers time to prepare for a major shift. This reform moves the sector from a checklist-style approach to one that truly focuses on people, rights, and dignity.
The message is clear: aged care is no longer just about compliance.
It is about ensuring that every older Australian receives safe, quality, and respectful care.
What the New Act Brings
The Aged Care Act 2024 creates a stronger, fairer foundation for aged care. Here are the main changes providers need to know.
1. A Rights-Based Approach
Every older person receiving government-funded care will now have a clear Statement of Rights.
This includes the right to make decisions about their own care, to be treated with dignity, and to raise concerns safely and without fear.
Care will no longer be defined by what providers offer, but by what people have the right to expect.
2. Stronger Governance and Leadership
Providers must register based on the services they deliver.
They must also prove that their leadership and governance structures are capable of meeting the new responsibilities.
Board members and executives will need to show transparency, accountability, and proper oversight across their organisations.
3. Better Complaints Handling and Whistleblower Protection
The Act strengthens complaints procedures and introduces improved protections for whistleblowers.
This ensures that staff and residents can speak up safely, and that providers can resolve issues before they grow into serious risks.
4. Clearer Regulatory Oversight
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will play a stronger role in ensuring compliance and monitoring provider performance.
The goal is to create a consistent, trustworthy, and transparent aged care system nationwide.
The Strengthened Quality Standards
Alongside the Act, the Strengthened Quality Standards will also take effect on November 1, 2025. These new standards build upon the existing framework and focus on the areas that matter most to residents and families.
They include:
Consumer dignity and choice
Clinical care and safety
Governance and leadership
Workforce capability and conduct
Together, the Act and the new standards aim to build a culture of continuous improvement across the aged care sector.
Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever
Compliance is not just about following the law. It is about protecting residents, improving quality, and building trust with families and the community.
Strong compliance practices allow providers to:
Identify and manage risks early
Strengthen governance and leadership accountability
Improve operational efficiency through better systems and data
Enhance reputation and community confidence
When compliance becomes part of daily operations, it leads to better outcomes for both residents and staff.
Where Providers Should Focus Now
To prepare for the Aged Care Act 2024, providers should start focusing on five key areas:
1. Governance and Risk Oversight
Ensure that leadership teams have visibility of performance, risk, and compliance across all areas of operation.
2. Workforce Compliance and Capability
Verify that every staff member has completed required training and that all credentials are up to date.
3. Clinical and Personal Care
Deliver care that is safe, responsive, and continuously improved through data, feedback, and outcomes tracking.
4. Feedback and Complaints
Encourage open communication. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and celebrate what works well.
5. Consumer Rights and Dignity
Respect every resident’s individuality, preferences, and choices. Make sure these are reflected in care planning and daily practice.
How Technology Can Help
Technology can make compliance simpler and more reliable.
It can automate reporting, track key data, and provide real-time visibility into performance and risks.
At QTX Group, we help aged care providers streamline compliance management through intelligent data and digital solutions. Our goal is to let teams spend less time on manual reporting and more time on what truly matters — improving care quality and resident wellbeing.
Steps to Get Compliance Ready
Here’s a quick reminder as we approach the start of the new Aged Care Act this November 2025.
Review your current compliance framework and identify gaps.
Map where your compliance data is stored and how it is used.
Digitise your reporting and monitoring systems.
Engage your team and clarify everyone’s role in compliance.
Track progress and use insights to guide ongoing improvement.
Starting early gives you time to transition smoothly and confidently into the new regulatory environment.
Moving Forward
The Aged Care Act 2024 represents a new chapter for Australia’s aged care sector.
It is a shift toward a system that prioritises rights, respect, and safety for every older person.
For providers, compliance is not just a requirement — it is a responsibility.
It reflects a genuine commitment to deliver quality care, lead with integrity, and build trust within the community.
At QTX Group, we believe technology and data can make this transformation easier.
With the right systems in place, aged care organisations can meet their obligations while focusing on what truly matters most: better care and better outcomes for every individual.
Book a consultation with QTX Group to discover how data and technology can help your organisation stay compliant and focused on quality care.
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