Australia’s aged care sector is in the midst of a transformative era, with sweeping reforms, workforce investment, and a renewed commitment to person-centred care. These changes are delivering safer, more empowering, and higher-quality care for older Australians, both at home and in residential settings.
1. Stronger Rights and Person-Centred Care: The New Aged Care Act
New Legislation: A Transformative Step Forward
The rights-based Aged Care Act, commencing in November 2025, marks a pivotal shift in Australian aged care by placing older people’s rights, dignity, and preferences at the very centre of care. This legislation ensures that every resident and client is treated with respect, empowered to participate in decisions about their care, and supported by providers held to the highest standards.
Key features of the new Act include:
Legally Binding Statement of Rights: Older people are guaranteed the right to make informed choices, have their preferences respected, and live with autonomy and dignity. Care must be tailored to the individual, not just delivered as a standard service.
Participation in Care Planning: Residents and clients are active partners in planning and reviewing their care. Their voices are central to every decision, supporting true person-centred practice.
Stronger Regulation and Accountability: Providers must re-register every three years, demonstrating ongoing compliance with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. This regular review process drives continuous improvement and accountability across the sector.
Simplified Access and Culturally Safe Assessment: A single-entry point streamlines access to services, while culturally safe assessment processes ensure supports are accessible and equitable for all older Australians, regardless of background.
Enhanced Whistleblower Protections: Robust safeguards allow concerns about care quality or safety to be raised confidentially and without fear of reprisal, empowering staff, residents, and families to speak up.
The new Aged Care Act is designed to deliver safer, more responsive, and more empowering care for older Australians. By embedding rights, participation, and strong oversight into law, it sets a new benchmark for dignity and quality in aged care.
2. Person-Centred Models: Care Tailored to Each Individual
Person-centred care is now the foundation of aged care in Australia. This holistic approach places the older person at the centre of every care decision, meaning:
Treating each person as a unique individual, not just a recipient of services
Building trust and mutual respect between providers, residents, and families
Supporting older people to maintain control, independence, and community connection
Recognising and responding to diverse backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences
Core principles include:
| Principle | Description |
| Dignity and Respect | Every interaction upholds the person’s worth and individuality |
| Partnership and Participation | Older people and families are partners in care planning and decision-making |
| Flexibility | Services adapt to changing needs, preferences, and goals |
| Strengths-Based Approach | Focus on what the person can do, not just what they need help with |
| Inclusion and Belonging | Cultural, spiritual, and social identities are recognised and celebrated |
Evidence shows that person-centred care leads to higher satisfaction, improved wellbeing, and better health outcomes for older people, while also enhancing staff satisfaction and organisational culture.
3. Investment in the Workforce: Wage Increases and Career Pathways
Australia’s aged care sector has seen historic wage rises in 2025, aimed at attracting and retaining skilled professionals and recognising the increasing complexity of care work.
Registered and Enrolled Nurses:
Award wages for aged care nurses are rising by an average of 12%, delivered in three instalments: 1 March 2025, 1 October 2025, and 1 August 2026. Since 2022, a registered nurse at level 2, pay point 3 has seen their weekly award wage increase by around $430 (over $22,000 annually), while enrolled nurses at pay point 2 have gained about $370 per week (over $19,000 annually).
Personal Care Workers and Other Roles:
Direct care workers (including assistants in nursing and personal care workers), home care workers, and support staff received wage increases between 2.3% and 13.5% from January 2025, with a second round for some roles in October 2025. These increases benefit approximately 340,000 aged care workers in residential and in-home care settings.
Minimum Wage Boost:
All modern award minimum wages, including those in aged care, rose by 3.5% from 1 July 2025, further supporting cost-of-living relief for health, aged care, and disability workers.
These wage increases are supported by substantial federal investment, with the government allocating over $17.7 billion since 2022 to fund improved pay and conditions across the sector.
4. Expanded Training and Career Pathways
Australia is also investing in the skills and professional development of its aged care workforce:
Fee-Free and Subsidised Training:
New and existing workers can access fee-free TAFE and subsidised places for qualifications such as the Diploma of Nursing or Certificate III in Individual Support, with priority for First Nations people, young people, job seekers, and carers.
Specialist Clinical Training:
Accredited programs in dementia care, palliative care, wound management, and leadership are available, with many offering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
Transition to Practice and Leadership Programs:
Structured mentorship, clinical supervision, and leadership development support new graduates and RNs transitioning into aged care, as well as those seeking advancement.
Career Progression:
New classification structures and clearer career pathways are being introduced, making it easier for aged care workers to progress into senior clinical, management, or specialist roles
In summary:
Aged care in Australia keeps getting better because of robust rights-based legislation, person-centred care models, workforce investment, innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement. These advances empower older Australians, and the RNs who care for them, to look forward to safer, more fulfilling lives and careers.
For more information see:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us/legislation-and-policies/new-aged-care-act
https://opan.org.au/new-aged-care-act/
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/strengthened-quality-standards/individual/person-centred-care
https://www.ausmed.com.au/learn/articles/person-centred-care
https://www.palliaged.com.au/Evidence-Centre/The-Older-Person/Person-centred-Care
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/partnering-consumers/person-centred-care
