On 6 June the Albanese Government announced that the new Aged Care Act’s implementation would be delayed four months from 1 July to 1 November 2025.
The Government advised that the delay was required to enable the sector more time to improve the delivery of reforms and to ensure more time to finalise key operational and digital processes.
The Government has said they will use the extra time to work with the workforce and employers to:
- help build workforce capability and support better understanding of new requirements
- prepare the public for the change so they know what they can expect from the new Act
- finalise systems and processes for governance and reporting
- develop guidance and training modules for key changes.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon Sam Rae has provided an open letter to aged care workers outlining the change.
The ANMF Vic Branch is supportive of the implementation of a new rights-based Act and has reinforced to Government the importance of allowing sufficient time for nurses and personal care workers to understand these changes to ensure the continued delivery of safe, quality care for older people.
The new Act will continue to legislate minimum care minutes for residents and maintain requirements for registered nurses 24/7.
Further information regarding the new Act can be found at health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act.
