Australia’s aged care sector is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Come 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program will launch, prioritising person-centred care, cultural safety for First Nations peoples, and long-term sustainability. But amid these reforms, workforce shortages, funding tweaks, and tech breakthroughs are shaking things up. Here’s the latest:
1. New Aged Care Act 2024: A Rights-First Revolution
Launching on 1 November 2025, this act replaces the outdated 1997 and 2018 laws with a robust, rights-based framework. It emphasises residents’ dignity, choice, and tailored needs, including a Statement of Rights for culturally safe care—especially vital for First Nations communities. Plus, whistleblower protections are beefed up to encourage transparency. The goal? Safer, fairer care for all.
2. Support at Home Program: Empowering Independent Living
Also kicking off 1 November 2025, this initiative swaps out Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care for a streamlined program supporting up to 1.4 million Australians by 2035. Expect shorter wait times, home mods for accessibility, and a “no worse off” guarantee for current users. However, new entrants might face higher co-payments, sparking some debate on affordability.
3. Workforce Boosts Amid Ongoing Shortages
The government is investing $2.5 billion over five years for aged care nurses’ wage hikes (rolling out in January and October 2025), plus $291.6 million for sector-wide reforms. Yet, projections show a shortage of 1,490 registered nurses in 2024-25 alone, with experts warning of up to 110,000 gaps by 2030 without bolder action like migration pathways and tech aids.
4. Sector Strains: Waits, Mergers, and Money Woes
Home care assessment wait times have doubled since 2014-15, leaving over 121,000 people in limbo. To stay afloat, financial squeezes and regs fuel consolidations—think Australian Unity snapping up MyHomecare Group.
5. Tech Innovations Lighting the Way
Bright spots include NeuronsVR, a VR therapy tool revolutionising dementia care by immersing residents in sensory-rich experiences that boost mood, recall, and social ties. Meanwhile, the Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards standardise data for more personalised, culturally attuned support.
As November nears, these changes promise a brighter future for aged care—but tackling shortages and waits is key.
Check out our courses and training packages for all your Standards-compliant aged care training needs, or contact our friendly, supportive and expert team to discuss further – we’d love to hear from you!
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Author: Cathy Kerr BANurs, GDAET, Cert IV Training and Assessment.
Cathy brings over three decades of expertise to the field of nursing education, with a distinguished career as a registered nurse, educator, and now aged care consultant. Her extensive experience spans clinical practice, training, and consultancy, where she has dedicated herself to improving care standards and supporting both ageing individuals and healthcare professionals. With a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, Cathy combines her nursing background with a passion for education to drive positive outcomes in aged care.
