From 1 November 2025, Australia’s new Aged Care Act took effect. You can find a full overview in recent Seasons newsletters or on the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website. Below is a quick refresher on the key changes and how Seasons is supporting you.
> Write a letter or complete a Seasons Feedback Form (available at reception).
> Place it in a sealed, confidential envelope addressed to Seasons Consumer Advisory Committee and pop it in the Seasons Feedback Box.
> Prefer to talk? Speak with any staff member and we’ll arrange for a CAC Representative to contact you.
The QCAC reviews the quality and safety of our care, including clinical and quality indicators, complaints and compliments, staffing, incidents, regulatory actions, and progress on our Continuous Improvement Plan. A formal report goes to our Governing Body at least every six months, ensuring Seasons Governing Body is well informed, leading to clear actions and better outcomes.
If you have questions about how the reforms apply to you or need help reviewing your services, please speak with your Care Partner. We’re here to help you live well, your way.
All information has been provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. For more information and updates, visit health.gov.au
On 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act came into effect, marking the most significant reform to Australia’s aged care system in decades.
This landmark change reflects a renewed national commitment to delivering safe, respectful, and person-centred care, and will strengthen the rights of older people receiving aged care services across the country.
The new Aged Care Act will also see the Home Care Packages program replaced with the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will cease and transition into the Support at Home Program as of 1 July, 2027.
Under the new Aged Care Act, Support at Home services will be grouped into three categories including Independent Living, Everyday Living and Clinical Care Support.
Both Independent Living and Everyday Living Supports will be means-tested and partially funded by the Australian Government*, with the remaining costs to be paid by the consumer.
Regardless of the individual’s income, clinical care will now be fully government funded under the Support at Home program and means testing will not be required.
To find out more visit: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/older-people/reform-changes-older-people/registered-supporters
Under the new Aged Care Act and from 1 November 2025, older Australians can appoint a Registered Supporter to communicate with about options and decisions relating to their care.
Unlike a Power of Attorney, the Registered Supporter is not a legally-appointed decision maker and does not have the authority to make choices on the individual’s behalf.
The change is designed to implement a more supportive framework and empower the independence of senior Australians.
Appointing a trusted family member or friend to the role is encouraged.
Current authorised representatives listed in My Aged Care will automatically become the individual’s Registered Supporter, unless they opt out or change the person(s) listed before 31 October, 2025.
For more information, please phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or access your My Aged Care Online Account at myagedcare.gov.au
Q: What is the new act?
A: The new Aged Care Act was introduced after the Royal Commission submitted 60 recommendations to improve the lives of older Australians. The new act will focus on improved safety and aged care quality standards. A Statement of Rights will also be available for older Australians receiving aged care services. With a focus on enhancing the autonomy and dignity of seniors, these changes are designed to empower individuals by encouraging them to vocalise inappropriate or unfair treatment. The new Act will also launch the Support at Home Program to ensure older Australians can stay at their own home for longer.
Q: What is the Support at Home Program?
A: The Support at Home Program will offer improved access to care services, equipment, and home modifications to promote a healthy, active and social lifestyle for older Australians. Catering to individualised needs, the initiative will also focus on early interventions and providing higher levels of care for people with complex needs. Dependent on funding and assessment results, services covered by the program will include nursing, nutrition, care management, personal care, domestic assistance, transport, home modifications, assistive technology, social and community engagement, respite, allied health and other therapeutic services.
Q: Why are these reforms important?
A: The current Aged Care Act was deemed outdated and no longer sufficient by the Royal Commission, as it focused around providers and funding, rather than the individuals who require care, access to services and their specific needs.
Q: When will the new act be implemented?
A: The proposed Aged Care Bill was passed through Parliament in late 2024 and the reform changes will come into effect from 1 July, 2025. The new Act will thereby replace current aged care laws and legislations including the Aged Care Act 1997, Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018.
Q: How will these changes affect me and other
residents of Seasons?
A: The new Act will affect anyone connected to the Aged Care industry including senior Australians, their loved ones, carers, workers, providers and government agencies including the Department of Health and Aged Care, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Services Australia. These changes will mean Seasons residents will continue receiving quality home care if and when they need it.
Q: What feedback did the Federal Government base
its findings on?
A: In addition to recommendations received from the Royal Commission, the Federal Government also opened the drafted bill up to the public for consultation. During this time, 320 submissions were made, 800 surveys were completed and more than 10,000 people provided feedback. Over the course of a 12-week consultation period, three webinars, 42 workshops and five roundtable meetings were also conducted.
Still have unanswered questions? Visit health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act or agedcarequality.gov.au
We encourage residents and families to stay updated through trusted sources like the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Seasons is here to navigate these changes with you, ensuring the best possible care now and into the future. For more information, speak with our team or click here.
© 2025 Seasons | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Whistleblower Policy Statement | Strategic Vision | Feedback & Complaints Process
Website developed by Digimedia Worx Pty Ltd
