The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Royal Commission) recommended that a completely new Aged Care Act be developed.
“A new Act is required to achieve the fundamental reforms we envisage to put older people’s needs and wellbeing first.” Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Final Report Volume 1 p79
The new Act will replace existing legislation, including the Aged Care Act 1997 (Aged Care Act) and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018. It will provide the foundations of a new aged care system.
The new Act will build on the priority aged care reforms delivered via the Aged Care and other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Act 2022, the very first Act of the 47th Parliament, and the Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Act 2022, which was enacted on 9 November 2022.
Once fully implemented, the new aged care legislative framework will respond to over 50 recommendations of the Royal Commission.
The specific policy reforms related to the new Act have been subject to a consultation process. Consultation on the draft new Aged Care Act closed on 8 March 2024. A report on the consultation feedback is now available. This report presents the key issues and insights identified from stakeholders during the consultation.
Over 320 submissions and 800 surveys were received, and more than 10,000 people attended the consultation webinars, workshops and roundtables.
Feedback was received from older people, their families and carers, aged care providers and workers, advocates and representatives, researchers, experts, sector peaks, associations and unions.
Subject to parliamentary processes, the new Act will start from 1 July 2025.