It’s time to check that your practices line up
The CDCS team is on the road, delivering Aged Care Reform workshops with the DoHDA and ACQSC in different States and talking with providers about how the aged care changes are working in practice.
One thing we are hearing is that there is still quite a bit of confusion about some of the detail. For example, in Home Care – Associated provider requirements, AT-HM, Care plan reviews. AN-ACC and viability are key issues in Residential care – with workforce and training requirements sector wide concerns.
There has been a lot to take in, and sometimes the answer isn’t immediately obvious.
But we are now well into the new arrangements, and there is an increasing expectation that providers understand the requirements that apply to them and have taken steps to adjust practices accordingly.
A recent update from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is a timely reminder of this. The Commission advised that it is investigating a Support at Home provider after a prudential review identified practices that did not comply with requirements around pricing, consultation and service agreements.
The important message for us isn't only about pricing. It is that the Commission is checking what providers are actually doing in practice.
Mistakes can happen, particularly when implementing significant change. What matters is that providers are actively reviewing their systems and practices, identifying where something may not be right, and fixing it.
If you are unsure about a requirement, don't rely on what you've always done, what another provider is doing, or what you've heard along the way. Go back to the source – the Aged Care Act and Rules, current program guidance and regulatory guidance, and where the answer is still unclear, seek clarification from the Department or Commission as appropriate.
You can also reach out to your DoHDA Local Network Contacts.
With the EOFY behind us, September is a good moment to pause, check your systems, and make sure the way you're operating and recording information actually matches the current requirements.
Program guidelines and fact sheets are being regularly updated or released to address provider questions or provide further clarification, we have compiled some of these below to help you.
Business as usual is over. The requirements have changed — our practices need to change with them.
In this edition, you'll find key updates and guidance to support you on that journey.
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.
Why the Aged Care Code of Conduct matters more than ever
Most people working in aged care come to work because they want to help others, it’s not just a job. They want older people to feel safe, respected and supported to live the life they choose.
But providing good care is about more than completing tasks or following a care plan. It is also about how we treat people, how we communicate, and how we respond when something doesn't seem right.
This is where the Aged Care Code of Conduct comes in.
Industry News
All Sector Updates
Aged Care Act 2024 Wait Times Report
Residential care and Support at Home Second report Quarter 4
This report presents median and average measures of the time elapsed between application through My Aged Care to commencement of aged care services for the 1 April to 30 June 2026 (Quarter 4 of 2025-26) reporting period.
Aged Care Code of Conduct
Guide for aged care workers and responsible persons – This updated guide explains the Aged Care Code of Conduct and what it means for workers and responsible persons.
Changes to Associated Providers – Bulk upload template
Good news! If you’re adding multiple associated providers, you can use the Add an associated provider bulk upload template. The template is an additional option that allows you to provide details for multiple associated providers in a single document. For more information visit the ACQSC page here.
Delivering inclusive aged care booklet
This booklet provides essential information and resources to help aged care providers deliver culturally responsive and inclusive services to older people from diverse backgrounds.
Financial, prudential and governance reviews
The Commission has announced it is commencing a prudential review with selected Category 6 residential aged care providers from September 2026.
Providers may be selected for the review if:
- they are a registered provider in Category 6
- your registration is due for renewal in 18 to 24 months
- you need information or support with your financial policies and procedures
- The Commission believes the review would benefit you.
Government Provider Management System
User guide update (V3): Provider operations reporting. The user guide aims to support residential aged care and home care providers in completing and submitting their provider operations reporting requirements via the GPMS portal.
Joint statement to clarify the roles and responsibilities for the delivery of health care for people receiving aged care services
This document helps everyone understand their responsibilities and work together across the health and aged care systems to manage the health and care needs of older people.
Mindfulness Colouring Sheets – You have the right to good aged care.
The Commission has published a set of colouring sheets to create fun/educational activities for older people in aged care, suitable for both residential and home care settings.
Registered supporter resources
The Department has developed a range of registered supporter resources on the role of the new registered supporter, the regulatory environment, and the responsibilities of key stakeholders. It contains policies, videos and other resources to support awareness of the registered supporter role.
Volunteer Learning Guide
The Supporting older people: Volunteer learning guide helps registered providers and volunteer managers understand and deliver training on the five core topics consistently.
Reports Due
21 October – Residential Quality Indicator data due for July–September.
31 October – 2025–26 Provider Operations Collection Form due.
- This applies to residential, Support at Home and Transition Care providers. This report includes the signed statement of compliance with legislative requirements, governing body information, complaints/feedback and improvements to service quality.
31 October – 2025–26 Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR) due.
- This applies to residential and Support at Home providers (and there are specific MPS requirements). CHSP-only providers are not required to submit an ACFR. The report has changed from what providers have done perviously. You can access guidance about completing the ACFR here.
New for this year's residential ACFR: residential providers must include an externally audited Care Minutes Performance Statement for 2025–26.
From 1 October – new MPS 24/7 RN reporting arrangements commence.
- MPS providers begin recording their 24/7 RN coverage from October, with the first report due 7 November 2026.
Upcoming
Q1 Quarterly Financial Report – start preparing now
The Q1 2026–27 Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) is due 4 November 2026, covering the period 1 July to 30 September.
There are some changes to the QFR this year, including the removal of Support at Home labour-cost reporting. However, Support at Home providers still have financial, viability and prudential information to report.
The Department has released the Q1 template, data definitions and guidance. We suggest finance and aged care managers review these now and check that the information they will need can be readily produced from their systems.
Remember – the QFR due date is legislated and extensions are not available.
Home Care Updates
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) extension to 30 June 2029.
This fact sheet is about the extension to CHSP.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) 2025–27 Manual
The CHSP 2025–27 Manual has been updated and provides an overview of the program, provider responsibilities, funding and program changes from 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Act 2024.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Service Agreement User Guide
This updated user guide provides some additional clarity on completing a Service Agreement with CHSP care recipients. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Commonwealth Home Support Program – Care and Services Plans checklist guidance
This document provides guidance for CHSP providers on developing Care and Services Plans required under the Aged Care Act 2024 and has recently been updated to reflect changes since 1 Nov 2025. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Support at Home – Personal care information sessions for Support at Home providers
This video provides information and guidance for aged care providers on the upcoming personal care contribution changes for Support at Home.
Support at Home personal care contribution change
Stakeholder kit to help Support at Home providers inform older people, their families and carers about personal care contribution change starting from 1 October 2026.
Support at Home Special Payments provider guidance
This document provides guidance for Support at Home providers on special payments in exceptional circumstances. It outlines eligibility and evidence requirements, the process for submitting a request and the review process. Special payments enable the payment of government subsidy to Support at Home providers where services have been delivered however, the provider is unable to claim due to exceptional circumstances.
Support at Home Program Manual update
Chapter 16: Provider claiming and payment arrangements has had some minor revisions – specifically:
Terminology has been updated to replace ‘approved’, with ‘submitted’, in line with Services Australia terminology.
And a clearer statement that evidence does not need to be submitted, only retained.
Residential Care Updates
Care Minutes Performance Statement FY2025-26
Help for registered providers of residential aged care and registered auditors in relation to the requirements of the Care Minutes Performance Statement.
Communication toolkit
This toolkit provides materials to help aged care providers, community groups and advocates communicate with older people, their families and carers on the benefits of safe, high-quality care, rights and protections, clear information, choice and decisions, continuous improvement and advocacy.
Fees and charges under the Multi-Purpose Service Program (MPSP)
Provider fact sheet : Multi-Purpose Service Program (MPSP) providers can ask older people accessing aged care services through the MPSP to help pay for their services in certain situations. The fees that can be charged are different from other aged care programs.
First 24 hours checklist – Management of acute respiratory infections or outbreaks in residential aged care facilities
This fact sheet describes the steps you should take in the first 24 hours following the identification of acute respiratory infections or outbreaks in residential aged care homes.
Role of a Restrictive Practices Substitute Decision-Maker
If an older person doesn't have capacity to give informed consent to the use of the restrictive practice, an RPSDM can decide to give consent or not. The provider or approved health practitioner must respect the RPSDM’s decision. This fact sheet helps older people receiving Australian Government funded aged care services, and their families, supporters, and care representatives understand the role of the RPSDM.
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
Navigating the challenges: balancing sexual rights and sexual safety in aged care
22 September 2026, 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm (AEST)
This webinar will unpack some of the complexities providers can face when balancing sexual rights and sexual safety within their services.
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and quality improvement (available on ALIS)
This brochure explains the free antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement program for aged care leaders.
Higher Everyday Living Fees (HELF): Ensuring transparency, choice and dignity for older people
The Commission recently ran a webinar on HELF – The recording and slides from this presentation are now available.
Panellists discussed the essentials of the Higher Everyday Living Fees including:
- providers' obligations when charging HELF in their residential aged care services
- communicating HELF agreements, service prices and bundles
- risks related to incorrect use of HELF, including financial harm, reduced choice and autonomy for older people.
Incident reporting – what's changed – ACQSC
The webinar covered the changes under the new Aged Care Act, with practical case studies on using an Incident Management System (IMS) to identify, record, manage and respond to incidents and reduce the risk of recurrence. If you missed the webinar in August you can access the recording and presentation slides and frequently asked questions.
National Aged Care Provider Conference 2026 – ACQSC
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
In-person registration has now closed. Email agedcare@thinkbusinessevents.com.au if you would like to be placed on the waitlist for in-person registration.
Free virtual registration is open to registered providers of residential care, Support at Home, Commonwealth Home Support Programme services, and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program services. Email agedcare@thinkbusinessevents.com.au if you would like to receive the virtual registration form.
Support at Home provider training – Program Overview
This page contains the link to the PDF version of the Support at Home provider training – Program Overview. Users will be able to download the PDF resource and access the training offline.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing training and education catalogue
This catalogue lists learning modules and education resources to help aged care providers and workers upskill in areas related to the Aged Care Act 2024.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| GO8512 | Aged Care Award Wages – Historical Leave Liabilities Increases – 1 August 2026
Applications are now open for the Aged Care Award Wages – Historical Leave Liabilities Increases The grant help providers cover the cost of their eligible nurses taking leave at the higher wage rates that started on 1 August 2026. The wage increases come from the Fair Work Commission's 1 August 2026 wage increase for eligible aged care nurses. The grant from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing offers one-off funding up to:
Eligible Multi-Purpose Services providers will receive funding through existing agreements and should not apply for this grant. |
6th October 2026 |
| GO8502 | The Support at Home Thin Markets 2026-27 (Round 3) Grant Opportunity provides flexible funding to eligible Support at Home providers that deliver aged care services in thin markets. This grant opportunity is the third funding round under the Support at Home Thin Markets Grant program. Providers that received funding in Round 1 (GO7600) and/or Round 2 (GO7988) may also apply in Round 3. Providers that deliver rural and remote services in Modified Monash areas 3 to 7, or that deliver specialised services in any region, may be eligible to apply. This grant opportunity has two streams: • Stream One: Rural, remote and specialised services • Stream Two: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. Providers may apply for either Stream One OR Stream Two. Opt-in: evaluation and extra funding under Stream Two As part of Stream Two, providers can take part in a detailed evaluation. This will look at how effective the grant is, and the outcomes for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their Support at Home service providers. There are 2 parts in the detailed evaluation – Part A and Part B. You can take part in one or both. If you choose to take part, you’ll receive extra funding in your grant agreement. Part A:
Part B
|
26th November 2026 |
For more information on any of these grants, refer to the GrantConnect website.
Aged Care Governance Training & Support – Rural, Remote, or First Nations providers
This support includes a two hour tailored online session delivered by an aged care governance expert. The training is designed to help Boards and governing bodies understand what good governance and compliance looks like now under the new Aged Care Act and Rules.
The application process is short and you can access the form here.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Care Services Officer and Cook |
Galiwinku – East Arnhem Regional Council
|
27th September 2026 |
| Ramingining – East Arnhem Regional Council | 27th September 2026 | |
| Aged Care and Disability Coordinator | Ngukurr – Roper Gulf 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.
Recent resource updates
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 & the CDCS Team
Join Our Community
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the industry.
You'll receive our popular newsletter: The Essential Aged Care Roundup for Busy People, and we will also let you know when CDCS has a new blog post or video.
(We won't flood your inbox! We send emails less than once a week and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
