Understanding the New Aged Care Laws
Why the new laws matter Australia’s aged care system is entering a new chapter with the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Aged Care Rules 2025. These changes aim to create a safer, fairer and more person-centred experience for older people, particularly those who rely on health and community supports to stay […]
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Why the new laws matter
Australia’s aged care system is entering a new chapter with the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Aged Care Rules 2025. These changes aim to create a safer, fairer and more person-centred experience for older people, particularly those who rely on health and community supports to stay well.
To help everyone understand the changes, the government has released a detailed aged care law guide. It explains the new rules in clear sections so older people, families and carers can feel more confident navigating the system.
What the guide covers
The guide breaks the new laws into important themes. These help explain how aged care will operate from entry through to everyday care and service oversight.
Here are the key themes, written in plain language:
- Entry into the aged care system:
How people access services, what assessments are required and how eligibility is determined - Funding:
How government funding is allocated, how providers receive it and what it means for the services older people receive - Governance:
Responsibilities of aged care providers, leadership expectations and how organisations must ensure quality and safety - Regulatory mechanisms:
How the government will monitor providers, manage compliance and make sure older people are protected from harm - Information management:
How records are collected, used and safeguarded to support high quality, transparent care
Each chapter breaks down complex topics into everyday language so individuals and carers can clearly understand their rights.
How it supports older people and families
The new laws are grounded in dignity, safety and informed choice. They set clearer expectations for providers and give older people more say in how their care is planned and delivered.
This matters for everyday life. It affects how people move between services, how concerns are raised and how providers must communicate with families and carers. The emphasis on rights also gives older people greater protection from poor practice, neglect and restrictive approaches to care.
Where Support at Home fits in
One of the most important changes in the aged care landscape is the Support at Home program, which will eventually replace the current home care arrangements and create a more streamlined way for older people to access help at home.
Although Support at Home sits alongside the Aged Care Act reforms, it is shaped by the same principles. The new laws strengthen:
- rights around choice and control
- transparency about funding and services
- protections for people receiving care in their own homes
For older people who prefer to stay living where they feel most comfortable, these reforms support safer and more consistent in-home care.
Who the guide is for
While the guide is technical, it is meant to be usable for everyone involved in aged care. This includes:
- government agencies
- aged care providers
- clinical care staff
- decision-makers who apply the law
- older people, families and carers
Having a single, reliable source of information helps everyone work from the same understanding.
There are also additional resources to help you understand and prepare for the new Act as it comes into effect.
If you or a loved one are navigating aged care for the first time, or preparing for upcoming changes, Leora Healthcare is here to help. Our team can guide you through assessments, services and the Support at Home transition so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
You can also check our Aged Care Services and contact our team to get started.