Aged care reforms key milestones
Australia’s aged care system is undergoing transformative changes, driven by the need for better care, improved workforce conditions, and greater accessibility. Following the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, a series of reforms have been introduced to address systemic issues and shape the future of aged care.
From the establishment of the Aged Care Taskforce to the introduction of new assessment tools and the phased implementation of the Support at Home program, these milestones reflect a concerted effort to improve aged care services for all Australians.
October 2018
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is created. The Royal Commission was establishmed in October 2018. It was initiated due to widespread concerns about substandard care, neglect, and abuse in Australia's aged care system.
March 2021
Royal Commission's final report is presented. The final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was delivered in March 2021, titled Care, Dignity and Respect. It made 148 recommendations to reform the aged care system, calling for significant changes in funding, governance, and care delivery.
- Key Findings: chronic underfunding (workforce shortages, lack of transparency, and inadequate quality assurance mechanisms), elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial), inadequate standards (poor food quality, inadequate clinical care, and insufficient support for dementia patients and those with diverse needs).
- Recommendations: create a new Aged Care Act to replace the 1997 Act, increased funding for aged care services to meet growing demands, workforce reform (higher wages, mandatory training, and stronger regulations for staff), stronger oversight with the establishment of an independent body to oversee quality and safety, and a person-centred care with greater focus on individual needs, especially for those living with dementia.
May 2023
The Aged Care Taskforce is created. The taskforce was created to address issues identified in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Aged Care Taskforce was formed to:
- Develop funding strategies to support reforms recommended by the Royal Commission.
- Create a fair and equitable aged care system for all Australians, ensuring that funding aligns with the level and type of care required.
- Build on existing initiatives, including reforms in governance, transparency, and care standards.
12 March 2024
The Aged Care Taskforce releases its final report. The report outlines 23 recommendations. Together with the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Aged Care Taskforce final report shaped many of the proposed changes, such as increased funding, a stronger focus on person-centred care, and a simplified system to improve access and equity in aged care service. To learn more, view the final report on the Government's website and the Government's response.
1 July 2024
The Single Assessment Tool is implemented. The Single Assessment Tool is implemented in preparation for the new Single Assessment System (replacing ACAT and RAS assessments). Currently, there are different assessment pathways. As a result, assessments are not consistent, and older people are often moved between assessment organisations as their needs change. The new system will provide a single assessment pathway that can quickly adapt to changing needs, without having to change assessment providers.
19 November 2024
The cap on cleaning and gardening is removed. The Government scrapes the controversial cap on cleaning and gardening for recipients of Support at Home services. The cap limited cleaning services to a 52-hour per year, and gardening to 18-hour per year. The cap was aimed to redirect resources towards clinical services, such as nursing and allied health, to ensure these were universally accessible without co-contribution costs. However, critics argued that the caps would have unintended and harmful consequences, making it difficult for many elderly Australians to maintain safe, liveable homes.
25 November 2024
The Aged Care Bill passes Parliament. This means the new Aged Care Act will start from 1 July 2025. The Department of Health and Aged Care continues to consult on the Aged Care Rules, working closely with aged care providers and workers to allow for a smooth transition from 1 July 2025.
1 July 2025
The new Aged Care Act will commence. The Aged Care Act focuses on building a sustainable, quality-driven aged care system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term challenges. The true impact will be seen in how these changes are integrated into everyday care and support for Australia’s aging population.
1 July 2027
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be replaced by the Support at Home program. While Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs will be replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 July 2025, the CHSP will be replaced from July 2027.
As the Aged Care Reform progresses through key legislative and structural changes, the upcoming years will be pivotal in determining the effectiveness of these reforms. With the introduction of the Aged Care Act and the rollout of the Support at Home program, the focus is on building a sustainable, quality-driven aged care system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term challenges. These milestones signal a commitment to reform, but the true impact will be seen in how these changes are integrated into everyday care and support for Australia’s aging population.