Unpacking aged care reform: Timely Summit to future-proof aged care

As Australia’s aged care sector enters an era of monumental reform, providers will soon face a decisive transitional period as the new Aged Care Act ushers in unprecedented change.

Yet many questions remain unanswered as providers and industry leaders juggle countless priorities and seek innovative solutions to help maintain financial sustainability, workforce stability and high-quality care.

Navigating aged care reform with clarity and confidence is going to be the key to early success.

The Hatchery’s Shaping the Future of Aged Care Summit 2025, taking place on July 9-10 in Sydney and online, will serve as a pivotal forum for providers to understand, respond to, and implement changes under the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home reforms commencing on July 1. 

It is the perfect opportunity for timely and relevant discussions about the new rights-based Act and evolving compliance, funding and service delivery models impacting aged care providers. Crucially, it affords providers a chance to analyse all of the key details and challenges before working collaboratively to craft solutions that will have a direct impact on operations. 

Key Highlights

• Regulatory Guidance: Direct insights from the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on compliance expectations
• Operational Strategies: Practical sessions on adapting to funding models, enhancing workforce capabilities, and implementing digital innovations.​
• Participant-Centred Care: Emphasis on embedding human rights and participant engagement in service delivery.​

Industry leaders in attendance will be the first to unpack what the new framework means in practice, and outline what the future holds for the sector. Conversations around strategy, preparation, governance and leadership, and implementation experiences are set to deliver real-world outcomes for guests.

On day one, a keynote presentation from the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Liz Hefren-Webb, will help set the tone for the Summit. She will take providers through the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards — standards that are going to take effect as part of the new Aged Care Act on July 1 — and shed light on what’s expected of boards, executives and management. 

It will be one of the first opportunities to engage with Ms Hefren-Webb and discover the Commission’s top priorities under her new leadership. 

All expert opinions are built on diverse perspectives that incorporate insights from government officials, industry leaders, and participant advocates, fostering a holistic understanding of the aged care landscape.​

Other industry leaders participating in high-level conversations include Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner; Rachel Argaman, CEO, Opal HealthCare; Tracey Burton, CEO, Uniting NSW.ACT; Sean Bilton, CEO/MD, Estia Health; and Alwyn Blayse, CEO, Allied Aged Care.

Their insights could not come at a better time.

Meanwhile, comprehensive content in tailored streams for both home care and residential care will address specific challenges and opportunities in each sector.​ The engaging day two afternoon sessions allows guests to choose their own journey and learn from industry experts with in-depth insights and analysis specific to their business.

Home care speakers include Jennene Buckley, Founding Partner, Ekindle, who will explore growth strategies under Support at Home, and Lorraine Poulos, Managing Director, Lorraine Poulos & Associates, who is set to host an interactive session guiding participants through a collaborative process to translate discussions into tangible actions.

Guests choosing the residential care stream will have the chance to hear from Paula Gibb, CEO, Prom Country Aged Care, as she delves into the challenge of meeting care minutes while managing costs and quality, and Janet Muir, CEO, RSL LifeCare, who hosts a fireside chat covering quality, compliance and financial viability.  

These are conversations designed to spark action. Guests have ample opportunity to engage and interact with over 200 of their peers to strengthen preparedness and understanding. 

The Summit is a collaborative effort designed to bring together the aged care industry so that every participant leaves knowing they have gained more skills and insights, and have connections to help embed new systems or frameworks. 

You can be part of a national movement to lead aged care into a future where participant rights, digital transformation, workforce renewal, and culturally safe care are central to service delivery. 

The Hatchery’s Shaping the Future of Aged Care Summit 2025 is poised to be one of the year’s most influential events, taking place just days after the new Aged Care Act’s commencement on July 1. 

It is a critical knowledge-sharing and future-planning event designed to help aged care providers, executives, policymakers, and advocates navigate the changing regulatory landscape, meet compliance obligations, and position their organisations for long-term sustainability and quality care delivery.

The Hatchery invites aged care professionals and stakeholders to join them at this pivotal event. Secure your spot now to stay informed and prepared for the evolving aged care environment.​

Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing. Both in-person and online attendance options are available.