When a Department spokesperson said the start of the new Aged Care Act and key program reforms (Support at Home) would make November a ‘bumpy’ month, they weren't kidding!
We know from the work we do with rural, remote and not for profit providers – that a number of client management systems were struggling to be ready for Support at Home. Combined with the the magnitude of change, this is making the transition process very challenging. If you and your team are still finalising new Support at Home budgets and agreements, you are not alone. The key priority will be on closing off October HCP claims before November 30. We have key links and info in this month's edition to refer to.
For other programs – there continues to be a broad range of change to get across, and you’ll find helpful information in this edition to save you time.
With so much going on, keeping your eye on priorities and trying to block out distractions is akin to playing darts and aiming for a bullseye. We hope that this ‘Essential Aged Care Roundup for Busy People’ helps you zero in, and as always if you need support, please reach out.
Donna, Carrie and the CDCS Team.
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
All Sector Updates
New My Aged Care website
On 1 November, the Department launched an updated My Aged Care website to support the start of the new Aged Care Act. Some of the previous features that providers were used to are now gone and may take some time to get used to!
The new website looks quite different and the changes are primarily designed to support better navigation for older people, their families and carers to understand, and access the aged care system. This includes:
- a redesigned ‘Find a Provider’ tool
- enhanced Fee Estimators, ‘My Guide to Aged Care’ and ‘Help Explorer’ tools
- new features, including a homepage Wayfinder, which helps people find information specific to their situation.
There is an information page for more information about the new website and short videos.
New section on Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website – Understanding the new Aged Care Act
On 1 November, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission also updated its website. The home page features information on ‘Understanding the new Aged Care Act’ and has key navigation tiles for:
- Older People
- Workers
- Providers.
These changes should make it easier to navigate to key information and updates on what is new under the Aged Care Act 2024, including guidance, new resources and advice on any transition issues that the Commission is actively managing.
New GPMS portal
On 3 November, the updated Government Provider Management System (GPMS) Registered Provider Portal was launched. Here is a link to a one page summary sheet that describes what can be done in GPMS and key links to access support on different matters.
The GPMS portal is used to report information under the new Aged Care Act, including:
- managing organisation details – including ‘responsible persons’
- 24/7 Registered Nurse reporting
- Quality Indicator Program reporting from Quarter 2, 2025–26
- Quarterly Financial Reports from Quarter 2, 2025–26.
New Complaints Commissioner and Statement of Rights
Ms Treasure Jennings has been appointed as the new Complaints Commissioner.
All registered providers will be required to demonstrate they understand the rights of older people under the Statement of Rights, including having systems and practices to reflect this.
This rights-based approach requires providers to consider complaints in the context of the older person’s rights and providers should review their policy and process to ensure alignment with new expectations about:
- remedy what was wrong
- restoring the older person’s trust
- prevent it from happening again.
New resources will be published soon explaining how complaints and feedback will be handled under the new Aged Care Act.
Provider registration
Under the new Aged Care Act, if you provide government-funded aged care, you must be registered by the ACQ&SC. This is to ensure providers are suitable and capable of delivering safe, quality aged care.
- Current providers were deemed (transitioned) by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and are referred to as registered providers under the new Aged Care Act.
- Amendments to registration can now occur and can be made via this link. If you need further assistance there is a contact form and number here.
- New providers can now apply to be registered. The application for registration form can be found on the website and look for the ‘start a form' option. If you need assistance use the contact us option.
The Commission's video about the registration and renewal process may be helpful if you or your team need more information.
Associated Provider Requirements – are you confused?
There has been a lot of questions and on the issue of Associated Providers and requirements for both the registered and associated provider.
Some key resources and information to guide you include:
- ACQSC Fact Sheet and FAQ: Associated providers under the new Aged Care Act 2024.
- ACQSC Changes to Associated Providers Page.
- ACQSC Regulatory Bulletin on Associated Providers.
New regulatory model resources
New resources on the regulatory model are now available from the Department and their page has grouped information which should make it easier to navigate to what you need by program or issue.
They have prepared an FAQ document that answers questions from providers about the Provider Requirements Search tool and the new aged care regulatory model. A webinar link can also be accessed.
Guidance is also available on how allied health professionals can deliver services in government-funded aged care settings. Under the regulatory model, allied health professionals can choose to work in the sector as a registered provider, associated provider or an aged care worker.
New supported decision-making resources
A new supported decision-making approach started on 1 November. It describes responsibilities for those providing care, as well as for families and other supporters.
The approach focuses on older people having the right to make their own decisions, with support if they need it. Registered supporters will have clear responsibilities, making sure the older person’s voice is respected in all decisions about their care and life. The Supported decision-making toolkit developed by OPAN helps older people, their families and supporters understand:
- what supported decision making is
- why it matters
- how to use it in everyday life.
For aged care providers, OPAN has developed a new Supported decision-making eLearning module. This provides practical guidance on how to put supported decision making into practice and meet provider obligations under the new Aged Care Act.
New registered supporter resources
New resources have been published by the Department to help older people, their families and carers understand the role of a registered supporter. This may be helpful for providers to promote to family members and registered supporters.
The resources include:
- a policy library
- a brochure
- frequently asked questions
- videos.
Registered supporters help older people make and communicate decisions about their aged care services and needs, using the principles of supported decision-making.
A new chapter for aged care – webinar recording
The recording of a special webinar hosted by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, with the Commission and Services Australia, is now available. Although November 1st has passed, this webinar can still be a useful tool for providers.
It included key information on the transition to the new Aged Care Act, Support at Home program, new regulatory model, and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. The session included a comprehensive Q&A session on a wide range of topics.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care assessment organisations
New resources about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care assessment organisations are available for:
- older people, their families and communities
- Single Assessment System assessors
- Elder Care Support workers
- care finders and Older Persons Advocacy Network advocates
- the health and aged care sectors
- providers of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program and Multi-Purpose Service Program.
Supporting diverse communities booklet
A new booklet has been published to help providers offer inclusive and culturally responsive care. It includes practical tools and resources to support older people from diverse backgrounds.
Provider finance information updated
Finance information for providers and services on the My Aged Care website ‘Find a Provider’ tool has been updated. This information was collected in the Quarter 4 2024–25 Quarterly Financial Report.
Read more about the reporting of publishing finance and operations information.
eLearning for aged care providers on the new Aged Care Act
Aged care providers have an obligation to deliver training to their staff on the new Act and associated reforms.
The Department has created learning modules to help providers and staff understand the changes in the new Aged Care Act.
Hot Tip! – Training Plan and Policy Checklist
You can add these modules to your training plan and use the policy and process checklist resources to update your policy and procedures.
For example, the latest module in the new Aged Care Act eLearning series is available.
Module 3 Release 2 explains:
- the core principles of the new Act
- how workers can put the new Act into practice
- how to support older people’s rights through inclusive and respectful care.
A checklist of training opportunities can be updated as modules are completed.
Quarterly financial snapshot
The Quarterly Financial Snapshot for Quarter 4 (1 April to 30 June) is now available.
It uses data submitted through the Quarterly Financial Report on:
- financial indicators
- care minutes
- labour costs and hours
- food and nutrition.
Legislation Updates
The key legislation updates in case you need to refresh previous links:
Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2025
Reports Due
The Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) was due on 4 November. For key information for relevant provider types who are required to submit QFRs – this page is one you should have bookmarked, if not already!
The Aged Care Financial Report 2024/25 (ACFR) was due on 31 October.
And in case you missed it – the Department has released information on changes coming in 2025/26 with the new 2025/2026 guidance available here.
Home Care Updates
Support at Home: What providers need to know and do
A reminder for Support at Home providers to complete final steps to ensure a smooth transition to the new program.
By 7 November, you will have needed to:
- publish new prices on your website for each service
- verify services and update pricing in the My Aged Care Services and Support Portal
By 30 November:
- Finalise all outstanding claims for Home Care Package (HCP) services delivered up to 31 October via the Aged Care Provider Portal.
- If applicable, you must report your balance of provider-held HCP Commonwealth unspent funds in your final claim.
! If you miss this date, it will impact your ability to make timely claims for Support at Home services from 1 December.! Learn more about finalising HCP claims.
Over the coming months:
- complete remaining transition activities
- finalise outstanding service agreements
- use the latest program guidance to deliver services
- support your participants to understand what’s changed and their rights under the new Aged Care Act.
Find out more about Support at Home transition activities.
New Financial and Prudential Standards – Home Care
For the first time, home care service providers (registered in categories 4 and 5) must comply with the new Financial and Prudential Standards, specifically the Financial and Prudential Management Standard.
Find out what obligations apply to you as a registered provider in the ACQ&SC Draft Provider Handbook.
NATSIFAC News
The month of October saw the completion of the NATSIFAC Regultory Support workshops facilitated by NintiOne and our team at CDCS.
NATSIFAC providers can access the support hub here.
The Support Hub helps connect NATSIFAC providers with practical resources and experienced Aged Care Advisors to help you understand and meet your obligations under the new Act.
You can contact the Support hub during business hours (8am – 4pm AEST) by:
Phone: 0429 621 646
Email: natsifacregulationsupport@nintione.com.au
Residential Care Updates
Quality Indicator Program under the new Aged Care Act
Under the new Aged Care Act, Quality Indicator (QI) Program reporting requirements for registered providers have not changed.
QI Program reporting, measurement and assessment requirements are referenced in the Aged Care Rules under section 166.
For Quarter 2 (October to December) quality indicator data reporting:
- The new Government Provider Management System (GPMS) Registered Provider Portal is now open. Providers should not have reported Quarter 2 quality indicator data in this portal before 3 November.
- Providers operational during October who ceased operations before 1 November should report Quarter 2 quality indicator data in the GPMS Approved Provider Portal.
- An ‘allied health comments’ field has been added to the new Registered Provider Portal and updated file upload template.
Updated QI Program resources can be found here
Changes to the Compliance rating for Star Ratings
From 1 November, the Compliance rating will be calculated based on regulatory decisions and graded assessment against the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Providers don’t need to do anything regarding this change and no additional reporting is required. This change does not impact your regulatory obligations.
Your Compliance rating will be updated following your next audit, or earlier if certain regulatory decisions are made that are relevant to your home. It will take up to 3 years for all aged care homes to be audited against the strengthened Quality Standards.
These changes are supported by findings from the evaluation of the Star Ratings program and consultation completed last year.
Reporting offline beds in aged care homes
The Aged Care Rules 2025 require registered providers to report when beds in a residential care home are put ‘offline’ and not available for use in:
- Modified Monash (MM) 1–5 regions for more than 3 months
- MM 6 and 7 for any period of time.
Staff in Local Network state and territory offices can help registered providers put beds offline or make offline beds available for use.
Occupancy validation checks
From 1 December, residential aged care providers can confirm their occupancy details from the November 2025 claim period in the Aged Care Provider Portal.
You’ll need to confirm:
- the total number of residents
- the total number of available beds for November.
If you’re unable to resolve over occupancy issues in the portal, contact the Aged Care
Provider Line on 1800 195 206
Services Australia will start finalising the November claim from 1 December.
Find out more about reporting occupancy on Services Australia's website.
Vaccination reminder
From 1 November, the new Aged Care Act strengthened the requirement for providers to make recommended vaccinations available for their residents. This includes vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal.
With the holiday season coming, it’s important to ensure aged care residents and workers keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination. Case numbers increase over this period.
The Department reminds us that COVID-19 vaccines are free and recommended:
- every 6 months for people aged 75 and over
- every 12 months for people aged 65 to 74
- every 12 months for adults who are severely immunocompromised.
You can have the COVID-19 vaccine even if you’ve recently had COVID-19. For more information, view the National Immunisation Program schedule.
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.
Industry Training, Webinars & Events
Webinar: Quality palliative and end-of-life care
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a webinar about quality palliative and end-of-life care. It is for older people, their families and carers. It will discuss what quality end-of-life care looks like in practice from planning and decision-making to palliative support and bereavement.
When: Tuesday 25 November, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (AEDT).
Register here.
National Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program
This free, 3-hour online course equips those who support older people with the knowledge to help prevent suicide. Learn to see the signs of suicide, have a conversation and refer the person to professional support. If you are interested, email Suicide.Prevention@ Anglicare.org.au.
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
Wages guidance & funding
The Department has updated its better and fairer wages page for the 1 October award increases (including nurses), with a Historical Leave Liabilities grant opportunity now open. Applications close on 9 December.
Providers can register on GrantConnect to access the grant opportunity.
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.
SDAP – Governance Support Project
Targeted support can also be accessed to support education and information for Governing Bodies, Executive and Management. For more information click here.
Jobs in Aged Care
Position | Organisation & Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Community Care Team Leader | Ampilatwatja – Barkly Regional Council | 19th November 2025 |
| Ti Tree – Central Desert Regional Council | 21st November 2025 | |
| Aged Care and Disability Coordinator | Numbulwar – Roper Gulf Regional Council | 23rd November 2025 |
| Aged Care and Disability Coordinator | Beswick – Roper Gulf Regional Council | 23rd November 2025 |
| Regional Coordinator – Aged Care Services | Darwin – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care & Disability Services Relief Coordinator | Various – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Officer/Cook | Galiwin’ku – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Officer/Cook | Gapuwiyak – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care & Disability Services Operations Coordinator | Milingimbi – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care and Disability Services Care Coordinator | Ramingining – East Arnhem Regional Council | Until filled |
| Aged Care Support Worker | Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire 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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