Release of rules a key step towards success of new Aged Care Act

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae says the Albanese government is “getting on with the job” of delivering reform for the Australian aged care sector.

Following a tough week in parliament, as Independents, Greens and the Coalition all voted in support of establishing a senate inquiry into Labor’s delay of the Aged Care Act rollout, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the finale draft of the new Aged Care Rules that will guide the sector in these reforms.

Minister Rae said his party wants to ensure every Australian can age with dignity and support whilst also ensuring providers have the tools they need to deliver the best care possible.

“The release of the Rules is another meaningful step towards a new rights-based Aged Care Act that delivers the dignified care older Australians deserve,” he said.

“We’ve released the Rules three months before the new Act comes into force, giving providers time to implement new systems and processes, and train workers to deliver the best care to our loved ones.”

The Department of Health consulted on the draft Rules between September 2024 and May 2025, receiving over 400 submissions from from aged care providers, peak bodies, the workforce, health experts and older people.

The public consultation resulted in a number of changes, including amendments to provider obligations, residential and home support subsidies, definitions and governance.

The release of the new Rules comes after the Labor Party introduced the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (ACOLA Bill) to parliament on July 24.

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) called the ACOLA Bill a “sign that aged care is rightly being treated as a key priority” by the government.

“The Aged Care Act marked a significant bipartisan commitment to empowering older Australians to live the life they choose with dignity and respect. We hope this same collaborative spirit will guide the swift passage of the ACOLA Bill, giving certainty to older Australians and their families,” CHA chief Jason Kara said.

Amendments include both technical changes and editorial corrections.

“These amendments are a very welcome step forward, helping to ensure people’s care is not disrupted as the new Aged Care Act is implemented,” Mr Kara said.

“We thank the Government for its close consultation with the aged care sector – providers, consumers and unions – throughout the transition process and look forward to ongoing collaboration.”