Is a further delay possible?

Is a further delay in the launch of the new Aged Care Act possible?

Recently, I was asked by one of our home support team whether we had a backup plan in place should the launch of the new Aged Care Act, planned for 1 November 2025, be delayed again.

After explaining that another delay was unlikely, given the political and legal consequences, and the fact that the final Rules have been released by the Department of Health and Ageing, I began to feel a little uneasy.

I recall people saying similar things about a 1 July launch, just before the announcement in early June that the commencement of the new Act would be deferred until November.

The delay, while generally welcomed by the sector, did result in significant rework of changes that had been implemented in readiness for the launch.

Some providers had released the new pricing and were informing clients.

Last month, Senator David Pocock was successful in moving a motion for an inquiry into the implications of delaying the start of the new Support at Home program. While the primary focus is on the growing wait list for a home care package, which has increased to 87,000 nationally, it also suggested that government systems may not be ready.

Specifically, the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry seek further information on ‘the adequacy of governance, assurance and accountability frameworks supporting the digital transformation projects required to deliver the aged care reforms on time’.

Further, ‘the implementation of the single assessment system and its readiness to support people and access a timely assessment’.

Reading between the lines, it suggests that the changes required to government systems and processes may not be quite as advanced as we are led to believe.

If there is any risk that the 1 November date is not achievable, it is critical that this is understood sooner rather than later.

Older people who are receiving services deserve clarity about how the system will work under the new Act, including what those services will cost.

A report on the Inquiry is due by 15 September 2025, forty-six days before the commencement of the new Act. Just enough time to initiate a backup plan!

Opinion piece by Darren Birbeck
Chief Executive Officer
Resthaven Incorporated