July 2025 Notes 

Many providers, including us, are feeling the weight of reform fatigue. Since the Royal Commission, we’ve seen a steady stream of changes across pricing models, regulation frameworks, star ratings, and governance. It has taken a toll.

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The delay to November 2025 may feel like a reprieve, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a rest. Reform readiness isn’t just about ticking boxes or surviving audits; it’s about building sustainable systems, culture, and leadership that are fit for a new era of aged care.

The government has delayed the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and associated legislation until 1st of November 2025. This delay is causing a mix of relief and concern within the aged care sector. While some welcome the extra time to prepare, others worry about the continued uncertainty and the potential impact on older people waiting for improved services, in particular those receiving Support at Home care.

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We now have an extra four months to prepare for the new Aged Care Quality Standards, including updating systems and training staff. Whilst this delay has brought us extra time, it does not change the reality that these changes are the most significant since 1997 when the Commonwealth assumed control of aged care. We are changing our clinical care management system which requires significant financial cost and time and staff investment. We started this month and it will take at least another three months. At least now we will have changed before the new legislation comes into force.

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The advantage for residents admitted from July to the end of October is that they will only have to pay what existing residents pay. So, they will save money. But the delay will hit the Government’s bottom line too. Treasurer Jim Chalmers called it “modest” last week but confirmed it will cost around $900 million in lost revenue over the next four years, because wealthier older Australians won’t start paying more for non-clinical care until November.

We live and work in an interesting time in the aged care continuum.