Aged Care Act Delayed: What the New Timeline Means for You
The Australian Government has just announced a delay to the start of the new Aged Care Act. Originally planned to begin on 1 July 2025, the changes will now come into effect on 1 November 2025. This does mean a delay to the Support at Home program also.
For families, carers, and older Australians already trying to make sense of the aged care system, this might feel like yet another layer of confusion. But the delay also brings an opportunity: more time to plan, understand, and prepare with the right support.
📣 You can read the full announcement here:
👉 New Aged Care Act to Start from 1 November – health.gov.au
Why has it been delayed?
The timing change follows a change in leadership. Australia’s aged care portfolio is now led by a new minister, Sam Rae MP, following the recent federal election. With the weight of this reform and its long-term impacts, the government has acknowledged the need for extra time to ensure everything is in place and rolled out safely.
It’s also clear that more consultation with the sector was needed — especially around things like funding, eligibility, and how services will be delivered under the new framework.
What’s in place for now?
Although the new system will bring big changes — including the shift to the Support at Home program — older Australians are still supported through the existing aged care programs, including:
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)
You can access these services now and make the most of what’s already available while we all prepare for what’s next.
What this means for you
This delay gives you space to plan, instead of panic.
You now have a few extra months to get organised, ask questions, and feel confident about where your loved one fits within the new system.
But don’t feel like you have to wait until November to get support. Many families are already accessing valuable help through the current programs.
How Brightway can help:
We’ll continue to provide updates in plain language, so you can focus on what matters most — ensuring your loved one gets the care they need.
What you can do today:
Book a 1:1 aged care planning session with us- Start with a 15min free call.
Visit our Where to Begin page to get clear, practical next steps
Follow Brightway for trusted updates and insights as the system evolves
If aged care has felt confusing or overwhelming, you're not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Let’s make it simpler. You deserve it!
