On 1 November 2025, the most sweeping overhaul of Australia’s aged care system in nearly thirty years took effect. The Aged Care Act 2024 replaced laws that had governed the sector since 1997, and for the first time in Australian history, the rights of older people in government-funded care became legally enforceable. With further changes rolling out through 2026, here’s what families navigating aged care actually need to understand.
A Rights-Based System
The cornerstone of the new Act is its rights-based foundation. It introduces a Statement of Rights, which sets out what older people are entitled to when seeking or accessing government-funded aged care — including independence and autonomy, respect for privacy, safe and quality care, and the right to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
Critically, providers are now legally obliged to deliver services in line with this Statement of Rights. It’s not a guideline or an aspiration; it’s enforceable.
Support at Home Replaces Home Care Packages
For families arranging in-home care, one of the biggest practical changes is the new Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025. Support at Home offers eight levels of funding, ranging up to $78,106 per year, across three categories: clinical care, independence, and everyday living.
A key protection worth knowing about is the “no worse off” principle, which protects people who were already receiving a Home Care Package or were in the queue, ensuring they aren’t financially disadvantaged by the change.
What’s Changing Through 2026
The reforms didn’t stop at commencement. Several further changes are rolling out across this year:
From 1 January 2026, providers must publish their most common prices on the My Aged Care website and their own website, and review those prices regularly. From April 2026, stricter care minute accountability applies, with provider funding linked to demonstrated delivery of care. From 1 July 2026, government price caps apply to all Support at Home services. And a new screening process for aged care workers commences in mid-2026, strengthening safeguards around who can work in the sector.
Stronger Protections and Oversight
The new framework also brings tougher accountability. A dedicated Aged Care Complaints Commissioner has been established with a focus on rights-based complaints handling. Whistleblower protections have been strengthened, so older people, families, and workers can report a provider who isn’t following the law without fear of being punished or treated unfairly. Reports can be made in person, by phone, in writing, or anonymously.
What Families Should Do
If you or a loved one is navigating aged care, a few practical steps matter. Use the Find a Provider tool on myagedcare.gov.au to compare providers, including their published prices and Star Ratings. Know that free, confidential support is available through the Aged Care Advocacy Line. And remember that any significant change in income, assets, or circumstances now needs to be reported to Services Australia within 28 days, as this is a legal requirement under the new system.
Epik Wire covers aged care reform in plain language for families and workers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay across every change.
