Understanding the Changes to the Aged Care Act: What Families in Melbourne’s Inner Suburbs Should Know
From 1 November 2025, the Australian aged care system will undergo its most significant transformation in decades, with the introduction of the new Aged Care Act. These reforms will affect every person receiving aged care services—especially those accessing support at home.
If your loved one receives care in Melbourne, it’s essential to understand the new aged care compliance obligations and how home care legal requirements are changing under Australian aged care laws.
Why the Aged Care Act Is Changing
Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Australian Government committed to overhauling the system to deliver care that is more transparent, consistent, and rights-based.
The new Aged Care Act will:
Replace existing laws with a single, simplified legal framework;
Introduce a Support at Home program to replace the Home Care Package (HCP) and CHSP systems;
Strengthen protections for older Australians receiving care at home or in residential settings.
Key Changes Affecting Home Care Recipients
1. Aged Care Rights Will Be Legally Protected
Under the new law, older Australians are formally recognised as rights holders. This means that home care recipients across Melbourne can expect:
More say in how services are delivered;
Greater transparency in fees and charges;
Stronger protections from neglect, abuse or exploitation.
2. Providers Must Meet Higher Compliance Standards
Approved providers will need to:
Comply with a new Aged Care Code of Conduct;
Ensure workers are appropriately trained, supervised, and supported;
Report safety incidents and adhere to strengthened clinical governance systems;
Demonstrate ongoing compliance with the updated Aged Care Quality Standards.
At Circle, we’re already adapting our systems and procedures to align with these enhanced legal requirements.
3. A Single Set of Laws Will Apply to All Aged Care
Rather than navigating multiple programs and legislations (like the Aged Care Act 1997, Home Care Packages, CHSP, etc.), from 1 November 2025 all aged care will be governed by a single Act. This simplification is designed to reduce confusion for families and care recipients.
4. Introduction of the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program will replace existing home-based aged care programs. If your loved one currently receives a Home Care Package, you’ll transition to this new model over time. It is expected to:
Simplify funding and service delivery;
Offer more flexibility in care planning;
Maintain consumer choice while tightening oversight.
What Families Should Do Now
Whether your family is using a government-funded package or private home care services in Melbourne, it’s important to:
Review your current service agreement to ensure it meets upcoming legal requirements;
Talk to your provider about their compliance strategy;
Understand your rights and protections under the new law;
Plan ahead, especially if you are waiting for an HCP or considering private aged care support in the interim.
Circle Home Care: Leading the Way in Compliance and Care
At Circle Home Care, we’re committed to providing respectful, compliant and compassionate care that empowers our clients to remain safely at home. We are:
Already aligned with the new Aged Care Quality Standards;
Preparing for the full rollout of the Support at Home program;
Focused on local delivery, working closely with families in Brighton, Hampton, Sandringham, Elwood and surrounds.
Whether you're navigating the new system or seeking trusted care while waiting for a government package, we’re here to help.
Need Guidance on the New Aged Care Reforms?
📞 Call Circle Home Care on (03) 9829 9111
🌐 www.circlehomecare.com.au
📍 Supporting older people in Brighton, Hampton, and Bayside Melbourne to age safely at home.