04 Sep 2025
Upcoming Regulation Changes for Aged Care 2025
By Benjamin Jardine, CEO, The District Nurses
At The District Nurses, we’ve always believed in helping Tasmanians live well at home, with dignity, independence and the support they need to thrive. The upcoming changes to aged care later this year are designed to make that easier and safer for older people and their families. I want to take a moment to explain what’s changing, and more importantly, what it means for you.
A new Aged Care Act and Statement of Rights
From 1 November 2025, a new Aged Care Act will take effect. At its heart is a Statement of Rights - a legally binding promise every provider must uphold. It reinforces your right to:
- autonomy, freedom of choice and independence
- privacy and confidentiality
- fair access to services
- safe, high-quality care
- a clear and fair complaints process, without fear of repercussions
- the ability to appoint a support person of your choosing.
Revised Aged Care Standards
The current eight standards will be replaced by seven updated Standards. They bring the focus back to you, the individual, and include:
- The individual
- The organisation
- Care and services
- The environment
- Clinical care
- Food and nutrition (new)
- The residential community
These will be enshrined in the Act, so providers like us are legally required to meet them.
Stronger Oversight and Accountability
A new regulatory model will strengthen how providers are monitored. It emphasises transparency, collaboration and consequences when providers fall short. For you, this means:
- greater visibility of how care is being delivered
- a stronger Commission to hold providers accountable
- confidence that your rights are protected.
What This Means for Care Workers
Care workers will see clearer role definitions, stronger screening, and higher training expectations. Wages are also increasing, with further rises from October 2025, reflecting the value of their work.
Care will be monitored to ensure it is culturally sensitive and trauma-informed. If a worker does not meet the standards, complaints will be managed by an independent Complaints Commissioner, giving you protection and peace of mind.
Transparency in Costs
Providers will now need to publish fees online in a way that is clear, fair and easy to understand. Exit and entry fees will be removed. This means you and your family will know exactly what you are paying for and will have more choice in how your funding is used.
Changes to Contributions: Support at Home Program
The Support at Home Program (beginning 1 November 2025) will replace existing home care programs. Importantly, you only pay for the services you actually use.
Key points:
- no costs for clinical services (nursing, physiotherapy, etc.)
- some costs for personal care
- more costs for everyday support, like domestic assistance and gardening.
Your contribution will depend on your financial situation:
- full pensioners pay the least
- part pensioners contribute a little more
- self-funded retirees pay the most.
For anyone already in the system before 12 September 2024, the Government has promised you will be “no worse off”. Your existing caps and exemptions will stay in place.
If you’re already receiving care, you won’t need to reapply. Your care will continue, and your funding will stay the same. These changes are designed to give you more flexibility and peace of mind, not take anything away.
The current Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which provides entry-level help to stay independent at home, will begin to phase out from 1 July 2027.
What This Means
These reforms are about putting you at the centre of care. Whether you are receiving support yourself or arranging it for a loved one, you will:
- have stronger rights, protected by law
- see greater transparency in costs and care delivery
- benefit from clearer standards and stronger accountability
- contribute fairly, based on your means and the services you choose.
Final Thoughts
For more than 130 years, The District Nurses have stood beside Tasmanians, helping people live life on their own terms in the homes and communities they love. These reforms are long overdue, but they are a step in the right direction.
Our commitment remains unchanged: to provide professional, thoughtful care you can trust, and to guide you through these changes with clarity and confidence.
If you have questions about how these reforms may affect you or your family, please contact our team. We are here to help you understand the changes and support you in planning the care that best meets your needs.
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