The Australian Government’s New Aged Care Act will take effect Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The new Act intends to strengthen Australia’s aged care system. It focuses on empowering older people, increasing protections and offering more choice across care and services.

MWP Community Care supports these upcoming changes. Our values and the way we work have always placed our clients, their preferences and relationships at the centre of their care.

What’s Changing ?

• Some of the key changes you should know about include:
  
• A new Statement of Rights to explain what you can expect when using government-funded aged care.
  
• Stronger Quality Standards to make sure your care is safe, high-quality, and tailored to your needs. You’ll be more involved in planning your care.
  
• More protection when speaking up – if you report poor care or raise a concern, you’ll be protected from unfair treatment.
  
• The right to have someone support you during care conversations or decisions will be formally recognised.
  
• A new independent Complaints Commissioner will make sure complaints are handled clearly and quickly.
  
• A new Support at Home Program replacing the current Home Care package program — we’ll share more about that in an upcoming newsletter article.
  
• A new funding model will be introduced for Support at Home.  Some people may be asked to contribute money toward non-clinical care, based on their financial means. There will also be hardship measures, and a rule to make sure those who were in the system before 12 September 2024 are “no worse off”.

PLEASE NOTE – whilst the Support at Home model will come into effect as of the 1 November 2025, this will only affect Home Care Package (HCP) clients. All Commonwealth Home Support Package (CHSP) clients funding and program will remain the same until 2027 at the earliest. If you have questions around this, please call the MWP office on 9913 3244

For free, confidential advocacy or support to help understanding what the new Act might mean for you, we recommend calling OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) on 1800 700 600.

New Statement of Rights

The new Act includes a Statement of Rights outlining the rights that older people have when accessing aged care services. This will replace the current Charter of Rights.

The Statement of Rights includes the right for every individual to have:

• Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
• Equitable access
• Quality and safe funded aged care services
• Respect for privacy and information
• Person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
• Advocates, significant persons and social connections.

To read a plain language summary of the new Statement of Rights, click here.

Fees and Funding

In Australia, the amount you pay for your aged care depends on your personal and financial circumstances. The Government funds most aged care services, but those who can afford to contribute to the cost of their care are required to do so according to their assessed means.

Strengthened Standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of requirements that define what good care looks like and reflect the quality of care older people should expect. The Standards have been strengthened and will come into effect from 1 November 2025. These strengthened Standards are aligned with the way we already work at MWP Community Care. Click here to see more.

Registered Supporters

From 1 November 2025, older people will have the option to nominate and register a ‘Supporter’. Registered Supporters can help residents understand, make, and communicate decisions about their care. This is intended to ensure older people can make their own decisions, and maintain control over their own lives, for longer. Click here to see more.

Whistleblower Protections

The new Act makes it easier for people to come forward with concerns about misconduct or harm, and to ensure they’re protected when they do. From 1 November 2025, clients, family and anyone of significance to a client can make a disclosure as a whistleblower. These disclosures can also be made to a wide group of people. Click here to see more.

What are we doing to prepare?

At MWP Community Care, we are committed to putting these principles into action:

• Getting to know you as a person, not just your care needs.
• Building strong and trusting relationships between you and your care team.
• Training our volunteers and staff to provide care that’s respectful, inclusive, and focused on what you want.
• Coordinating our systems and process with new regulations
• Checking in regularly to make sure you’re happy with your services.
• Communicating with our clients, staff and volunteers so they understand the changes relevant to them

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Statement of Rights? 

It’s a list of legal rights that all individuals receiving aged care will have. It tells you what you can expect from your care – like being treated with dignity, being listened to, and feeling safe. 

How is This Different from the Charter of Aged Care Rights? 

The Statement of Rights is part of the new law (from 1 July 2025). It’s stronger and clearer than the current Charter, and it applies to all aged care services under one consistent set of rules. 

What Rights Will I Have Under the New Statement of Rights? 

The Statement of Rights aims to put you at the centre of your own care. You will have rights to: 

• Make decisions about your own life and about the services you receive and who provides them. 
• Be treated with dignity and respect. 
• Have services delivered by workers with the right training, skills and experience. 
• Have your decisions not only accepted, but respected. 
• Access information about your care and services in a way that suits your needs. 
• Communicate your wishes, needs and preferences. 
• Get the right kind of care you need, when you need it. This includes palliative and end-of-life care. 
• Feel safe. 
• Have your unique culture and identity respected. 
• Have your personal information and privacy protected. 
• Stay connected with the people who are important to you, your community and your pets. 
• Give feedback on your care without fear of being punished or treated unfairly. 

Will My Care Change? 

Your care will continue – but now, your rights will be even more protected. Care must be respectful, personalised, and based on what’s important to you. 

Do I Need to Do Anything? 
No. MWP Community Care will share your Statement of Rights with you and help explain what it means. You’ll be supported every step of the way. 
 
Can I Ask Questions About My Rights? 
Yes, always. You can talk to any staff member, a family member, or someone you trust. They can help explain your rights or support you to speak up if something’s not right. 
 
What If I Feel My Rights Aren’t Being Respected? 
You have the right to speak up. You can talk to your provider, make a complaint, or contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for help by calling 1800 951 822. If you ever need support to make a complaint or find information, you can also call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600. 
 
Is The Statement of Rights Available in Other Languages or Formats? 
Yes. There are Easy Read versions, and the government is developing translated versions. Just ask us if you need help accessing these versions, or visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website. 
 
Where Can I Learn More? 

You can visit: www.health.gov.au/aged-care-reforms 

Resources for older people, their families and carers: New Aged Care Act resources for older people, their families and carers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing  

Or contact our office on 9913 3244 and we can provide you a copy of the Statement of Rights and related fact sheets.