A new transition timeline: What it means for providers

by Danni Meredith, Sector Support Coordinator

And …. breathe …. I suspect this is how many aged care providers are feeling right now on the back of the latest media release from the Department of Health and Ageing advising of the delayed commencement of the New Aged Care Act implementation, to 1st November 2025. Read the media release here. 

Along with letters written by the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP to older Australians and to aged care providers. 

So many aged care providers have been frantically working and pushing their teams to be prepared for what many believe to be an unrealistic deadline of 1st July 2025.  

However, we now have an opportunity to pause (briefly) and to reflect upon how far we have all come, what we have achieved and to celebrate those achievements with our teams as the end of financial year approaches.   

But let’s not lose momentum! 

Whilst we await clarity, new information, resources and direction from the Department, providers ideally should take advantage of this “4-month window of opportunity” to:

• identify gaps in your transition preparation and be strategic about how best to rectify those gaps before 1st November 2025
• roll out training on the new Aged Care Quality Standards, Statement of Rights and Statement of Principles
• ensure your governance reflects the Statement of Principles and a rights-based approach to client care provision 
• strengthen whistleblower and complaint procedures to align with updated legal safeguards. 
• revisit decisions around finance systems, financial viability and specifically pricing under the Support at Home programme 
• train staff including your Board members on new systems and process  
• rigorously test new systems and processes to ensure they are sturdy, meet your organisational needs, weed out issues, tighten up processes and / or seek solutions 
• discuss with staff the types of evidence and documentation required to meet compliance and audit requirements 
• continue to get your clients assessed so you can create appropriate client agreements and care plans.  
• find meaningful ways to engage with your clients, to allay their fears and address concerns about the changes and what it means for them.  
• Refer to the Provider Operational Readiness – Priority Actions List | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to ensure you are on track 

Navigating an ever-changing aged care landscape balanced with the need for ongoing business preparation while keeping clients needs at the centre, as we transition to the new Aged Care Act can feel as overwhelming as eating an elephant in one meal.  

So, how do you eat an elephant? One mouthful at a time. 

Make the most of this time to enhance your preparation through thoughtful reflection, strategic collaboration, continuous peer support, and effective planning.  Onwards and upwards!