From 1 November 2025, Australia is introducing a new Aged Care Act and with it, a Statement of Rights that puts you at the center of aged care.
Here’s what it means.
Why this matters
Under the old system, many older people felt their rights and needs got lost in the rules. The new Statement of Rights is designed to make sure every person receiving aged care:
- Is respected, supported, and heard,
- Can make real choices about how they live,
- Has access to safe, quality care, and
- Can raise concerns without fear.
These rights change the relationship between you and your aged care provider, meaning you are no longer just a recipient of services, but a partner in your care.
What rights will I have?
Here’s a breakdown of the key rights that will be guaranteed under the new Statement:
1. Independence, choice and control
You’ll have more say over:
- Which aged care services you use, who provides them, and how you receive them,
- How your money and belongings are managed,
- Your right to live in ways you prefer, even if there is some personal risk, and
- Access to decision-making support if you need it.
2. Fair access
You’ll have the right to a fair, accurate assessment to identify what funded services you might need. That assessment must respect your background, culture, experiences, and any cognitive conditions.
3. Safety and quality care
You are entitled to care that is free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination, care that respects your dignity, identity, culture, spirituality, and diversity.
4. Privacy and information
Your personal, health, and financial information must be respected and protected. You also have the right to get clear, understandable information about the services you receive and how they work.
5. Communication and feedback
You’ll have the right to:
- Receive information in a way you understand, such as in plain language and with interpreters,
- Communicate your wishes, preferences, and concerns, and
- Provide feedback or raise issues without fear of reprisal.
6. Support, advocacy and connection
You have the right to:
- Choose someone (a supporter or advocate) to help you make decisions or speak on your behalf,
- Stay connected with people and communities that matter to you, like your friends, family, culture, spiritual groups, community organisations, and
- Access advocacy services to help you understand your rights and act on them.
What providers must do
Under the new Act:
- Providers must act in line with the Statement of Rights when delivering services,
- They need processes in place to listen to you, gather your feedback, and respond to complaints, and
- If you believe a provider is not upholding your rights, you’ll have clear pathways to raise a concern or make a complaint without fear of unfair treatment.
Acknowledging the challenge
Change can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been used to things being done a certain way for a long time. It’s normal to feel unsure or reluctant to adjust. You might worry, “Will I lose control?” or “What if I complain and things get worse?”
It’s okay to take your time. These new rights are there to protect you. You don’t have to use them all immediately but knowing them gives you more options and confidence down the track.
How you can make these new laws benefit you
- Know your rights at the start, middle, or end of your care,
- Ask questions when you’re not clear or comfortable,
- Use a supporter or advocate who helps you understand, speak up, or make decisions, and
- Give feedback or complain because it’s part of your right and helps improve care for not just you but everyone.
