Published date: 4 June 2025
The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program start will be briefly deferred.
The government will recommend to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, that she proclaim the commencement of the new Act to be to 1 November 2025.
The Australian Government has listened to older people, their families and carers, and the wider aged care sector. Feedback supports a brief deferral and will mean a better outcome for older people.
What does this mean for me?
The deferral means providers and advocates have more time to talk to you about how aged care is changing to make sure you are:
- protected
- in charge of your decisions
- able to make informed decisions
- equipped to understand what is expected of aged care providers and workers.
Aged care recipients will continue to receive safe, quality care. If you access the Home Care Packages or Short-Term Restorative Care programs, you will continue to get services under these programs until Support at Home starts on 1 November.
The deferral allows more time for you to better understand the new Support at Home program.
Putting your rights first
The government is committed to reforming aged care. The new rights-based Act ensures a sustainable, world-class aged care system that puts you at the centre of your care.
Read a letter from Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP about how the brief deferral will impact older people and the sector.
Last updated date: 6 June 2025
