The Aged Care Act 2024 commenced on 1 November 2025, replacing the Aged Care Act 1997 that had governed the sector for nearly three decades. The new Act is the legislative backbone of the broader aged care reform program and underpins the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, Support at Home, and a range of new provider obligations.

What the Act introduces

At its core, the Act is about shifting the system to be rights-based and person-centred. Key changes include a legally enforceable Statement of Rights for older Australians, a new registration framework for providers with categories based on service type, expanded powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, new duties of care for providers and aged care workers, a mandatory Code of Conduct, and whistleblower protections for those who raise concerns about care quality.

Provider registration

All providers must now be registered with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission under one of six registration categories. The category determines which Strengthened Quality Standards a provider must meet and how they will be assessed. Registration must be renewed every three years.

What providers should do

If you haven't already, review your registration category and confirm which Standards apply to your services. Make sure your policies, procedures, and incident management systems reflect the new obligations under the Act. Ensure staff are familiar with the Code of Conduct and understand the new reporting requirements, including changes to the Serious Incident Response Scheme.

Coverage helps you track conformance against the Standards that apply to your registration category, giving you a structured way to stay on top of the new obligations.