Update to aged care reforms

Published on 01 July 2025

The Federal Government’s Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program implementation has been delayed from 1 July to 1 November 2025.

The delay is intended to give aged care providers more time to prepare for the significant changes the new Act will bring.

The new Act is intended to give older people more choice and control, provide stronger protections, and streamline access to aged care services.

People who currently access the Home Care Packages or Short-Term Restorative Care programs will continue to receive services under these programs until they move to the Support at Home program, which will start on 1 November 2025. 

The hope is that this deferral will allow more time for participants to better understand the new Support at Home program.

Council receives funding through the Federal Government to deliver Commonwealth Home Support Program services for Social Support Group and Community Transport.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program will move into the Support at Home program no earlier than July 2027.

Council continues to provide the Community Transport and Social Support Group services along with other programs and services that help local residents navigate the aged care system, stay connected and age well.

More information regarding these services visit the Commonwealth Home Support Program page. 

For information on the Aged Care Act and Support at Home program visit health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-reforms