Understanding the New Aged Care Act 2024
What Providers and Staffing Agencies Need to Know
The Aged Care Act 2024, taking effect on 1 November 2025, introduces the most significant reforms to the sector in decades. Designed to put older Australians’ rights and wellbeing at the centre of care, the Act impacts everyone across the aged care ecosystem, from residential and home care facilities to recruitment agencies supplying staff.
For aged care facilities, the new Act strengthens obligations around quality, safety, transparency, and governance. For staffing agencies like Arise Care Staff, while not always classed as direct “providers,” the Act introduces potential obligations as associated providers if they directly employ and place staff.
Both groups must prepare now to ensure compliance and continuity of services.
Key Changes Affecting Aged Care Facilities
- Statement of Rights
A legally enforceable Statement of Rights for older Australians means facilities must embed autonomy, respect, cultural safety, and choice in daily care. - New Registration Framework
A single integrated registration system will apply to all aged care providers, with more stringent entry and renewal requirements. - Quality and Safety Standards
Stronger standards demand person-centred care, clearer governance structures, and continuous risk management practices. - Funding and Fees
Reformed residential care funding models and the new Support at Home program will reshape financial planning, reporting, and fee transparency. - Governance and Transparency
Providers must demonstrate strong governance, accurate reporting, and accountability through regular audits and compliance checks.
Key Changes Affecting Staffing Agencies (Like Arise Care Staff)
- Workforce Vetting and Qualifications
All staff must hold the required minimum qualifications (e.g. Certificate III in Individual Support or AHPRA registration for nurses) and pass mandatory screenings, including police checks and Working with Vulnerable People checks. - Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Agencies must ensure ongoing training so workers remain compliant with updated quality and safety standards.
Compliance and Record-Keeping
- Agencies must maintain accurate records of qualifications, CPD, and compliance data for all staff, ready for audit or inspection.
- Person-Centred, Rights-Based Care
Staff must be trained to uphold the Statement of Rights, delivering care that prioritises dignity, respect, and cultural safety. - Associated Provider Registration
If an agency directly employs and pays care staff, it may need to register as an associated provider with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC). This carries obligations around governance, reporting, incident management, and quality standards. - Proposed Aged Care Worker Registration Scheme
Workers will need to be listed on a national workforce registry, proving their qualifications and suitability for ongoing employment. - Governance and Risk Management
Staffing agencies will need governance frameworks to manage compliance, risk, and accountability, aligning closer to full provider obligations.
Actions Required for Compliance
For both providers and staffing agencies, the following actions are critical:
- Centralise workforce verification (qualifications, police checks, WWVP, CPD).
- Partner with CPD and screening organisations to streamline compliance.
- Review contracts to define responsibility and liability between facilities and agencies.
- Update staff training to include rights-based care and legal duties.
- Monitor legislative updates on associated provider registration and workforce registry requirements.
- Strengthen governance systems with clear policies, incident reporting, and risk management practices.
Summary of Major Reforms (Effective 1 November 2025)
- Legally enforceable Statement of Rights for care recipients.
- Enhanced quality and safety standards with a focus on person-centred care.
- Single integrated provider registration system.
- Support at Home program replacing current home care models.
- Reformed funding and fee structures for residential care.
- Mandatory worker qualifications and national registration schemes.
- Stronger governance, reporting, and transparency requirements.
- Introduction of Registered Supporters to assist care decision-making.
- Recognition of associated providers, introducing compliance duties for staffing agencies employing care workers.
What This Means for Providers and Agencies
- Aged Care Facilities must prioritise compliance, governance, and quality systems to remain registered and avoid penalties.
- Staffing Agencies like Arise Care Staff must ensure rigorous workforce screening, training, and record-keeping, and be prepared for associated provider registration if directly employing care staff.
The Aged Care Act 2024 raises the bar for accountability across the entire aged care sector. Whether you’re a facility or a staffing agency, early preparation is key. By embedding compliance, training, and governance now, organisations can protect residents, support staff, and ensure a smooth transition before the 1 November 2025 deadline.









