Ready, set for new aged care reforms

Teams across all our services have been working hard preparing for the next chapter in sector reforms that will come into effect from 1 November. 

Overarching all the upcoming changes is the introduction of the new Aged Care Act which aims to make aged care safer, fairer and more respectful. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the preparations underway:  

Making way for the Support at Home program

A major focus has been preparing for the Australian Government’s new Support at Home program that will replace the Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.

Teams across Home and Community Support (HCS) and Support Services have been making sure clients are informed and supported as we transition to the new program. 

Since May, the HCS team has completed more than 1,700 discussions with existing Home Care Package clients about what changes the new program will bring and updates to their agreements, budgets and care plans.

Team members have also been reviewing and updating service provider agreements to ensure compliance with new requirements and attending workshops and training sessions for process and related system changes.

Client discussions and preparations will continue to ensure everyone is well-informed and ready for the new program from 1 November.

Getting ready for strengthened quality standards 

In May, more than 170 leaders from our residential care teams across the country came together for the 2025 RAC Roadshow. 

The major focus was the new Aged Care Quality Standards and funding models coming from 1 November that focus on improving care quality and accountability.  

The roadshow was held over four sessions in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, providing the opportunity for leaders to meet in person to plan for the year ahead and prepare for upcoming changes.

Glenn Hancock, Chief Operating Officer Residential Care, shared updates on strategic direction and operational priorities, and Directors of Operations hosted a panel session to share best practices across our 88 homes. 

Guiding the sector – Aged Care Transition Taskforce

Chief Operating Officer Home and Community Support Deidre McGill has been helping guide introduction of the reforms as part of the Aged Care Transition Taskforce. The Taskforce has been providing expert advice to identify and address implementation issues. 

In May, Deidre and fellow Taskforce members met with the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon Sam Rae MP, who is responsible for overseeing the rollout of the Act.

Thank you to all our teams for your dedication and continued focus on caring for clients and residents as we introduce these changes.

Feature image: HCS Chief Operating Officer Deidre McGill, Directors of Operations Sharon Kehoe, Karen Atley and Ann Doherty and Operations Managers came together recently. 
Inline image 1: Leaders collaborating at the NSW RAC roadshow.
Inline image 2: Deidre and fellow Taskforce members with the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon Sam Rae MP.