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Compliance for aged care providers in Australia

The new Aged Care Act 2024 (in force 1 November 2025), 7 quality standards, RN 24/7 rosters, care minutes, and SIRS notification within 24 hours. The strengthened framework explained.

Australian aged care reset on 1 November 2025 with the Aged Care Act 2024 — the most significant overhaul since 1997. The Act embeds a rights-based Statement of Rights, strengthens the Quality Standards (7 instead of 8), gives the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) civil penalty powers, and codifies RN 24/7 + care minutes targets.

Existing approved providers transitioned automatically; new applicants face stricter registration tests. ACQSC enforcement is escalating — sanctions including conditions, banning orders, and revocation of approved-provider status.

Below: the compliance picture for residential and home care.

1. The seven Quality Standards

Standard 1 — The person (dignified, respectful, person-centred care). Standard 2 — The organisation (governance, risk, workforce). Standard 3 — Care and services (assessment, planning, transitions). Standard 4 — The environment (safe, clean, suitable). Standard 5 — Clinical care (clinical governance, medication, infection prevention, restrictive practices). Standard 6 — Food and nutrition. Standard 7 — The residential community.

2. Registered nurse 24/7 (residential)

All residential aged care facilities must have at least one RN on duty on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Limited exemptions for facilities with <30 beds in regional/remote areas with documented recruitment difficulty. Compliance reported monthly + published; exception periods are public.

3. Care minutes targets

Residential providers must meet care minute targets — sector averages of 215 total care minutes per resident per day, of which 44 minutes from a RN (actual targets vary by AN-ACC funding classification). Reported monthly via My Aged Care; published in Star Ratings.

4. SIRS notification within 24 hours (priority 1)

Eight reportable incident types: unreasonable use of force; unlawful sexual contact / inappropriate sexual conduct; psychological / emotional abuse; unexpected death; stealing or financial coercion by a staff member; neglect; inappropriate physical or chemical restraint (restrictive practice); missing consumer. Priority 1 notifications within 24 hours via the My Aged Care portal, with follow-up report within 5 business days.

5. Aged Care Code of Conduct

Applies to all approved providers + workers + governing persons. Behavioural expectations + grounds for banning orders. Workforce attestation + training records required. Banning order register must be checked at hire.

6. Restrictive practices + behaviour support plans

Use of restrictive practices (physical, chemical, mechanical, environmental, seclusion) must be a last resort. Requires authorisation, documented Behaviour Support Plan, informed consent, and minimum 12-monthly review. ACQSC actively reviews use.

7. Workforce — beyond the standards

Modern award compliance (Aged Care Award; Nurses Award; Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award). Pay-day Super from 1 July 2026. WGEA reporting if 100+ employees. PI insurance for clinical staff. NDIS overlap if any participants are NDIS-funded.

FAQ

What changed on 1 November 2025?

The Aged Care Act 2024 commenced, replacing the 1997 Act. Statement of Rights embedded; Quality Standards strengthened to 7; ACQSC gained civil penalty powers.

Can a small facility opt out of RN 24/7?

Limited exemption process for facilities with <30 beds in regional/remote areas with documented recruitment difficulty. Apply via ACQSC; exemption is not automatic.

How quickly must I notify a SIRS Priority 1 incident?

Within 24 hours of becoming aware. Follow-up report within 5 business days. Late or missed notifications attract civil penalty proceedings + banning orders against responsible individuals.

Published obligations that apply to aged care providers (10)

Sector regulators