by Donna Cross & Carrie Akhurst
If you feel like June was a roller coaster, you're not alone. For many, the frenetic pace leading up to the late deferral announcement and subsequent delay of the new Aged Care Act and its reforms may have felt like going from full throttle to slamming on the brakes.
Over the coming months, more details will continue to fill in the gaps, helping to ‘connect the dots‘.
So what should you be doing now?
Like most changes, especially those with multiple layers and complexity, stepping back to reassess the key points and then checking on what's ready, what needs more work, and where you need to take action will be important. It's easy to get lost in the web of tasks, so our advice is that if you're feeling stuck or where momentum has stalled, start with ‘one key thing' that will make a difference to mitigate the overwhelm.
If you need assistance with your transition plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page.
Breaking News!
A new support and training program for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander providers (NATSIFAC) commenced on July 1 to assist with meeting obligations under the new Aged Care Act. CDCS will be a key partner working with Ninti One to deliver training workshops in the coming months, as well as provide one-on-one support, resources, information, and guidance.
More information in Industry News.
Latest CDCS Videos & Blog Posts
To respond to the needs of those working in the industry, CDCS has a range of blog posts on our website and videos that are freely available on our YouTube channel.
You can use any of our YouTube videos for your staff training and feel free to embed the videos in any of your training resources.
Industry News
Unless otherwise noted, ‘the Department’ refers to the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Likewise, ‘The Commission’ refers to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
All Sector Updates
NATSIFAC Program and Support Hub
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has engaged Ninti One to develop and deliver targeted training and assistance specifically to National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program Service Providers to support the transition to the Aged Care Act 2024 (the Act).
NATSIFACP providers will be able to attend one of five workshops during September and October, followed by organisational site visits and the development of resources to support the transition process under a two-year project funded by the Department. The project is being delivered by Ninti One in partnership with CDCS.
For more information, you can visit the NATSIFACP hub hosted by Ninti One
Draft Application for registration form
The Commission has released a draft application for registration form for individuals or organisations wishing to become a registered provider of aged care services after the introduction of the new Aged Care Act 2024 on 1 Nov 2025. When the new Act starts, entities can become a registered provider by applying for registration in the registration categories that cover the service types they intend to deliver.
Existing aged care providers will be deemed into a registration category and do not need to apply.
Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements for Aged Care
The latest schedule of subsidies and supplements has been published. The schedule lists the daily rates of subsidies and supplements for government-subsidised aged care. It includes rates for home care, residential aged care, transition care and short-term restorative care (STRC).
Working in aged care – A guide for workers about the new Aged Care Act (brochure)
This booklet provides an overview of the aged care reforms and the changes that will directly impact workers. It contains various resources to support workers to provide safe, quality care for older people.
New Volunteer resource
New Aged Care Act and Volunteering in Aged Care booklet – What providers, volunteer managers, and volunteers need to know. This booklet has been developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) to outline the upcoming changes under the new Aged Care Act 2024.
Reports Due
Quarterly Financial Report (QFR)
The Quarter 4 (April-June) QFR is due on August 4.
Note: the QFR does not apply to CHSP-only providers or those delivering community (non-residential) NATSIFAC services.
For more information, visit the Department Page.
COVID Updates
See the department website for any updates.
Home Care Updates
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Provider update – June 2025
From 1 July 2025, CHSP providers will continue to provide services to older people. However, there are some changes to the program, in line with the 2025-27 grant agreements that providers should be aware of. The Department has released an update to help providers understand these changes and their impact on operations.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Service List Mapping guide
From 1 July 2025 the CHSP service list structure aligns with the Act and prepares providers for the transition from 1 November 2025. This guide outlines what CHSP providers need to know about the staged transition of service lists from 1 July 2025.
NATSIFAC program providers – Reform readiness webinar Q&A document
The Department has released a document that covers questions and answers asked at the webinar Reform readiness for NATSIFAC providers. This document aims to help National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care providers understand how the new Aged Care Act will impact them.
Support at Home program guide for older people, families and carers (booklet)
The Department has released a new booklet to assist older people and those who support them to understand the Support at Home program.
Support at Home program – understanding care management claiming
Support at Home program manual – Example of managing participants with pooled care management funding.
Support at Home program manual (version 3) – A guide for registered providers
The Department has released version 3 of the Support at Home program manual, a guide designed to assist registered providers to understand and comply with the Support at Home program rules, procedures and obligations.
Home Care Packages Program pricing caps fact sheet and frequently asked questions
This updated fact sheet provides an overview and answers frequently asked questions about changes to Home Care Package administration and management charges, implemented 1 January 2023. This is a useful resource for managers and accountants who may have been making preparations for a 1 July start to the Support at Home program and are now wondering about what may or may not have changed.
Residential Care Updates
Care Minutes Performance Statement guidance
The Department has a number of resources to help residential aged care providers and their auditors understand their responsibilities to prepare, audit and submit a Care Minutes Performance Statement.
Liquidity calculator for registered providers in the aged care sector
The Commission has released a calculator to inform registered providers of the minimum level of liquid assets they are required to hold, calculated based on Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) financial statements.
Meaningful mealtimes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in residential settings
The Commission has published an article highlighting the importance of ensuring meals times are enjoyable and culturally safe for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in residential care settings.
Places to people – Embedding choice in residential aged care (new fact sheet for older people)
As part of the reforms the government is introducing a new residential aged care system that assigns places directly to older people living in Australia.
People wishing to enter residential care will be able to move into a facility that meets their needs and preferences. The main difference older people already in care will notice is it will be easier to move to a new aged care home of their choice, if they want to. The government will continue to provide funding directly to the person’s chosen aged care home on their behalf.
Understanding fees for aged care homes fact sheets
The Department has released a new fact sheet that outlines the fees a resident may be asked to pay for permanent residential care from 1 Nov 2025.
There are also other fact sheets that may be useful that explain other existing fee arrangements including for residential respite care. Providers can use these fact sheets to explain fees to residents.
Department and Commission Newsletter Links
If you haven't subscribed for Department updates, you can do so by clicking here to subscribe.
If you’re not already signed up, we recommend clicking through and signing up for the Commission’s valuable newsletter.
CDCS Roundup for Busy People Newsletter
If you have others in your team who would benefit from our monthly aged care roundup for busy people – they can sign up here.
Industry Training, Webinars & Events
Strengthened Quality Standards training
The Commission’s workshop topic for July is the strengthened Quality Standards. This online live session covers preparing for the changes in residential and home services and includes how you can apply them in your workplace. Register here.
July 2025 sessions for residential services:
- 8 July, 10:00 – 11:30 (AEST)
- 23 July, 13:00 – 14:30 (AEST)
July 2025 sessions for home services:
- 16 July, 14:00 – 15:30 (AEST)
- 29 July, 10:30 – 12:00 (AEST)
Support at Home provider training: Module 4 – Claiming and payment arrangements
Module four of this training series covers Support at Home claiming and payment arrangements. Users can download the PDF resource and access the training offline.
NAIDOC Week 16-13 July 2025: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC—a powerful milestone celebrating the resilience, culture, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 theme honours the strength of Elders, the vision of communities, and the legacy that empowers the next generation.
The NAIDOC website has information and resources to help your team and older people celebrate NAIDOC week.
Ongoing workshops provided by the ACQ&SC
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission develops a range of educational resources and workshops for aged care providers, in-home services and residential services that assist in understanding what compliance looks like.
You can find these courses listed on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website under the Education tab.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities | Name of Grant | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| GO7589 | MRFF – DAACM – 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity. The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) – 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity aims to support research that will help to improve quality of life for Australians as they age. | 20th August 2025 |
For more information on any of these grants, refer to the GrantConnect website.
SDAP – Services Development Assistance Panel
Don’t forget, if you are an aged care provider (residential or community care) operating in rural or remote locations, you may be eligible for support through the Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP).
CDCS has been a panel member since the inception of this program in 2010 and has supported over 40 aged care services with compliance, business development, training and resource development.
Get an idea of what can be done with SDAP.
Further information is available on the Department’s website, including the application form, or by emailing sdap@health.gov.au.
Jobs in Aged Care
Position | Organisation & Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Manager – Aged Care Services | Darwin – East Arnhem Regional Council | 11th July 2025 |
| Galiwin'ku – East Arnhem Regional Council | 11th July 2025 | |
| Aged Care and Disability Operational & Quality Service Manager | Angurugu – Groote Archipelago Regional Council | 14th July 2025 |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Coordinator | Angurugu – Groote Archipelago Regional Council | 14th July 2025 |
| Aged Care Worker | Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council | 14th July 2025 |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Regional Coordinator | Groote Eylandt – Groote Archipelago Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Officer | Umbakumba – Groote Archipelago Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Cook/Officer | Umbakumba – Groote Archipelago Regional Council | Until filled |
NOTE: If you have a position that you would like us to promote, please hit ‘reply’ to this email so we can include it in the next newsletter and/or post on our Facebook page: CDCS – Culturally Directed Care Solutions.
New In The TQP Members Resource Area
Below is a list of the updated policies, procedures, and other helpful resources in the last month. We're committed to helping your organisation meet compliance and deliver quality outcomes.
If you’re looking for comprehensive, industry-specific policies, procedures, and work instructions that have been used successfully by dozens of aged care providers, helping them to pass quality reviews easily and stay compliant, then take a look at the Total Quality Package.
Keep an eye out for exciting updates coming, including a new Standards Matrix and updated suite of policies and procedures to align with the new Quality Standards, Aged Care Act, regulatory framework, and program changes. These will be released soon.
Resource updates in the last month
TQP Live Training & Replays
TQP Members get complimentary access to regular LIVE training and education sessions. These are aimed at the coordination and management level and address trending issues and topics. Recordings are available in the TQP to revisit whenever you need – just like having your very own ‘Aged Care Netflix!’
We hope you have found this edition helpful; feel free to share it with others who may be interested. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know by emailing us at info@cdcs.com.au.
Please get in contact with us if you need support and we’ll catch up with you again next month.
Donna, Carrie & the CDCS Team
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