Final aged care rules released, changes to Star Ratings system

With the Australian aged care sector on the cusp of significant reform, the Albanese government has released the final version of the new Aged Care Rules.

This pivotal step, alongside a bolstered Star Ratings system, comes just five weeks out from the commencement of the new Aged Care Act on November 1.

The Rules, registered on Friday, provide the essential detail for the new Act. They are designed to offer clarity for both aged care providers and the workforce, outlining precisely how the new rights-based Act will operate in practice.

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, emphasising how the new Rules are a testament to widespread engagement.

“I’m grateful to everyone who has engaged in this collaborative effort to deliver a set of Rules that will help the aged care sector deliver our once-in-a-generation reforms,” he said.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure the Rules will help improve the care our loved ones receive and facilitate the world-class care every older Australian deserves.”

With the Rules now published, providers can move forward with more certainty as the new Act approaches.

The Rules were developed through consultation with older people, their families and carers, providers, workers, peak bodies, union representatives, health professionals, academics, and aged care advocates. As part of this, there were seven staged releases of draft versions between September 2024 and May 2025 to ensure a broad range of perspectives informed the final document.

Resources, including training and guidance material, are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website to assist the sector in preparing for the new legislative landscape.

Complementing the new rules, the Albanese government also last week announced significant enhancements to the aged care Star Ratings system.

This system was introduced in 2022 in a bid to empower older people and their families with the information they need to make the most appropriate care choices.

When the system was first introduced, only 54 per cent of aged care homes achieved an Overall Star Rating of four or five stars. Now that figure has risen to 79 per cent suggesting the sector has improved overall.

From 1 October 2025, aged care homes will be required to meet both their legislated total care minutes and registered nurse minutes to achieve a staffing rating of three stars or more.

This change follows independent public consultation, and will be reflected in providers’ Star Ratings from mid-2026, providing even greater transparency on performance.

“Labor’s changes mean every older Australian and their loved ones will have even better information at their fingertips when making choices about the care they and their loved ones choose,” Minister Rae said.

“We’ll always look for ways to improve the Star Ratings system to give older Australians the best information to age with dignity and in the comfort they deserve.”

These adjustments ensure providers remain accountable for meeting their care minutes targets, guaranteeing residents receive the highest standard of care.

Star Ratings are publicly available on the My Aged Care ‘Find a provider’ tool, assisting individuals in comparing and selecting aged care homes.