Provider insight: Gov releases reform booklet and priority actions list
Published on 3 June 2025 (Last updated on 4 June 2025)
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released two critical resources for aged care providers that will help organisations and leaders strengthen their readiness to implement the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program.
Note: These documents were published prior to the news that the Aged Care Act will be delayed until 1 November, 2025. Click here to read more.
The documents are an updated booklet for aged care providers and the sector on Aged Care Reforms and a Provider Operational Readiness Priority Actions List.
Providers can use the booklet to understand the changes that are coming, while it also acts as a practical resource to outline provider requirements under the new Act. There is additional guidance on where to access more information.
The department says an updated version will be published in the second half of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Priority Actions List aims to guide aged care providers on what they need to do before and after 1 July to implement the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program.
It consolidates information and guidance that has been, or soon will be, released to support transition and readiness. Providers may not be required to complete every action as individual circumstances will determine what is necessary or not.
Aged care reforms, A guide for providers and the sector
Providers looking for an ‘aged care reform bible’ arguably have it here with the booklet on Aged Care Reforms covering all the important aspects associated with the aged care sector.
“Over the last few years, the Australian Government and the sector have made major changes to aged care in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. These wide-ranging reforms have provided positive change, increasing transparency and improving quality of care provided to older people in Australia,” the document stated.
The updated guide for providers features two main sectors: Getting ready for the new Act and Support for Providers.
The first section is all about outlining why the changes to the aged care system are occurring, what the new reforms mean for providers, and the key changes to be aware of.
It also explores the Strengthened Aged Care Standards, reporting requirements and the Single Assessment System.
All sections link directly to a relevant webpage, giving providers easy access to more in-depth information. Examples include the new Financial and Prudential Standards, worker screening, the Government Provider Management System and Star Ratings.
As for Support for your business, the second section includes useful links to the Aged Care Business and Workforce Advisory Service, training and research opportunities, dementia care, and support services for diverse and underserviced communities.
You can find the complete booklet here.
Provider Operational Readiness Priority Actions List
Knowing what to do before and after 1 July is arguably the toughest task for providers right now. Providers have four weeks before the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program come into effect, meaning there is very little time to waste.
The department’s Priority Action List consolidates information and guidance so providers can better understand the most appropriate course of action to take.
It outlines the actions to take with residents and participants, alongside your organisation, people, processes and systems.
Helpfully, it breaks up the year into May – June and July – December blocks, partially simplifying the planning process.
For example, it says that providers must ensure aged care residents and home care participants are aware of their rights and protections under the new Act by June.
It also highlights the deeming process, policy, training and information and communication technology (ICT) system changes as some of the most important short-term organisation tasks.
Many tasks are simply linked to informing residents, participants and staff about the most relevant information linked to the likes of the Code of Conduct, Statement of Rights and more.
There are also useful checklists linked to service lists, payment and financial mechanisms for all types of aged care providers.
Looking at July and beyond, providers can follow up on ensuring residents and participants have registered supporter/s, have updated their income and assets, and know how to provide feedback or raise a concern.
Changes to the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), Daily Accommodation Payments (DAP), the new registration and renewal process, and client assessment processes are also notable priority actions.