A New Era for Aged Care

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ADACAS in Action: Advocacy That Makes Rights Real

The new Aged Care Act is due to come into effect on 1 November 2025, aiming to put the rights of older people at the centre of Australia’s aged care system.

It is the centrepiece of national reform and follows recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and years of advocacy from organisations like OPAN (the Older Persons Advocacy Network), which ADACAS is proud to be part of.

At ADACAS, we’ve been preparing for the introduction of the new Act by working independently in aged care homes and community settings across the ACT. Our advocates help older people understand what these rights mean and how to use them in practical ways.

Every week, our team delivers information sessions, meets with residents and families, and works alongside providers to make sure advocates have private, confidential access to older people. Each conversation helps people live with dignity, safety and inclusion, ensuring their voices guide the decisions that shape their care.

When advocates bring conversations about rights into aged care homes and community groups, we’re helping build a culture of fairness and respect, where communities are inclusive and equitable and advocacy is accessible to all.

Understanding the New Aged Care Act

Historically, aged care has focused on services rather than the people who use them. The new Act changes that by embedding a Statement of Rights within the legislation, giving it legal standing and clear obligations for providers. This Statement gives older people stronger protections and a clearer foundation to ensure every older person will have the right to:

  • Make decisions about their life and care, and have those decisions respected
  • Receive safe, high-quality and culturally appropriate care
  • Access fair assessments and the supports they need when they need them
  • Communicate in the language or method they prefer
  • Raise concerns without fear of reprisal
  • Stay connected with family, community, culture and Country

These rights are enshrined in law, and providers will need to show how they uphold them in everyday care, through their policies and practices, to make sure rights are realised in daily life.

The Role of Independent Advocacy

One of the most important parts of the new Aged Care Act is the formal recognition of independent advocacy. When it commences, older people will have the right to:

  • Have an advocate present during aged care assessments
  • Ask an advocate to support them in making decisions or raising complaints
  • Speak with an advocate at any time, without interference from their provider

This recognition marks a major milestone for older people and for the work of ADACAS and OPAN. It ensures that people receiving aged care can always access independent, confidential support to protect their rights.

How ADACAS Can Help

If you or someone you know receives aged care, either at home or in a residential facility, and you’d like to understand your rights, ADACAS can help. We can:

  • Explain the Statement of Rights in plain language
  • Support you to raise concerns or make a complaint, now and when the Act commences
  • Work with you and your provider to ensure your choices are respected

Every action we take contributes to a more accountable system and outcomes where rights are realised for every older person.

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