The federal government has delayed the commencement of the new Aged Care Act weeks out from the 1 July scheduled date, with 1 November the new deadline.
The delay – the fourth since the legislation’s inception in 2023 – has been announced in response to advice from the sector that it needed more time to deliver the reforms.
“The Albanese Government has made no secret of the fact that this is an incredibly ambitious reform,” said Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler. “These are once-in-a-generation reforms, which put older Australians at the centre of aged care. We want to make sure that all operational, digital and legislative pieces are in place before the rollout starts.”
Fresh in the role of Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae said the delay was about ensuring the new Act is ready for older Australians and their families.
“I have spent my first weeks as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors listening to older Australians and stakeholders who have generously shared with me both the importance of the new Aged Care Act, and the importance of getting it right.”
“We have already achieved so much in partnership with older people, providers, workers and the sector,” Rae said. “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with older Australians, the sector and the [aged care] taskforce to make sure the benefits of these once-in-a-generation reforms are realised.”
The appropriate systems aren’t yet in place.
Ageing Australia chief executive officer Tom Symondson said, while the industry’s peak body fully supported the new Act, the government left the sector ill-prepared for its implementation.
“We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we’re not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven’t received all the information we need in order to proceed.”
The additional time will give the sector space to finalise agreements, systems, and processes, Symondson added. “This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians who rely on aged care. We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal.”
While unhappy at yet another delay, the Older Persons Advocacy Network said, overall, postponing the Act’s implementation is the right decision. “Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can’t get the aged care they need without it,” OPAN chief executive officer Craig Gear said.
“However, over the past weeks, it has become increasingly apparent that – while the macro design of the reform is solid – older people don’t have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level. We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren’t yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition.”
Despite the setback, Gear said the sector must maintain momentum. “This is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. Older people have been waiting years for an Act that enshrines their rights in legislation.”
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