21 Aug 2026
How To Nominate a My Aged Care Registered Supporter
Key Takeaways
- A registered supporter is someone you choose: Under the new Aged Care Act 2024, you can nominate a trusted person to help you make and communicate your aged care decisions.
- They support you, they do not replace you: A registered supporter helps you understand your options but cannot make decisions on your behalf unless they also hold legal authority such as power of attorney.
- Nominating someone is straightforward: You can register a supporter by phone, online, in person, or through the registration form, with several pathways available.
- Both parties need to agree: Your prospective supporter must consent to the role before the relationship can be registered with My Aged Care.
- Conflicts of interest must be declared: Supporters are required by law to disclose any real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
- You can change your mind at any time: The supporter relationship can be ended by either party online or by calling My Aged Care.
When it comes to aged care, having the right people around you can make a significant difference. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, which came into effect on 1 November 2025, older Australians now have a formal way to nominate someone they trust to help them navigate the aged care system. This person is called a registered supporter.
Whether you are just starting to explore your options or are already receiving care, understanding how to nominate a registered supporter can help you feel more confident and in control of your care decisions.
What Is a My Aged Care Registered Supporter?
A registered supporter is a person you choose to help you make and communicate decisions about your aged care. They might be a family member, a close friend, or you can also choose an advocate from service providers such as Care Finder (through COTA). Their role is to support your decision-making, not to make decisions on your behalf.
Registered supporters can speak with My Aged Care on your behalf, attend aged care assessments with you, liaise with service providers, and help you understand your options. Importantly, providers are still required to communicate directly with you, even if you have a registered supporter in place.
This role replaced the previous regular representative and authorised representative roles when the new Aged Care Act commenced. Anyone who held one of those roles and had an active relationship in My Aged Care on 31 October 2025 automatically became a registered supporter from 1 November 2025.
Who Can Become a Registered Supporter?
Almost any person you trust can become a registered supporter. This includes adult family members, carers, or close friends. However, there are some important restrictions to be aware of.
Certain people may have a conflict of interest that needs to be declared or managed. This includes:
- An aged care provider who delivers services to you
- An aged care worker who provides direct care or support to you
- A person paid to help you navigate the aged care system
- A person engaged to translate information or documents for you
If your prospective supporter has a conflict of interest, you should discuss it with them before proceeding. They will need to declare it during the registration process.
How To Nominate a Registered Supporter
There are several ways to register a supporter. Before you begin, it is important to have a conversation with the person you want to nominate and confirm they are happy to take on the role. Their consent is required as part of the process.
Once you are both ready, you can register a supporter by:
- Calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm)
- Completing and submitting the Registration of a Supporter form, available online or as a printed copy
- Logging into your My Aged Care Online Account and navigating to the Support Networks section
- Requesting to register a supporter when applying for or attending an aged care assessment
- Speaking with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) in person by booking an appointment on 1800 227 475
Not all pathways may be available in every situation, so it is worth contacting My Aged Care to confirm the best option for you.
What Happens After You Nominate a Registered Supporter?
Once both parties have provided consent and the registration is complete, your supporter can begin acting in their role. They will have certain legal duties under the new Aged Care Act, including the obligation to avoid or manage any conflicts of interest.
Registered supporters may receive certain information about you as part of their role. If your supporter also holds legal decision-making authority, such as guardianship or enduring power of attorney, they may be able to be registered without your direct consent. However, they can only act within the limits of that legal authority.
Appointed Decision-Makers and Registered Supporters
Some people have a formally appointed decision-maker, such as a guardian or someone with enduring power of attorney. Under the new Aged Care Act, these individuals can also be registered as supporters.
If your appointed decision-maker wants to register as your supporter and you have the capacity to consent, the process follows the same steps. If you have lost the capacity to consent, your appointed decision-maker may be able to register without your consent, provided they supply appropriate legal documentation to My Aged Care.
Can I Change or End the Supporter Relationship?
Yes. You or your registered supporter can end the relationship at any time. This can be done through your My Aged Care Online Account or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. There is no cost to ending a supporter relationship.
You are also able to have more than one registered supporter if that suits your circumstances.
Do I Need to Have a Registered Supporter?
No. Nominating a registered supporter is entirely optional. Many older Australians are well supported by family and friends without needing to formalise that relationship in My Aged Care. If you feel your current support network meets your needs, there is no requirement to register anyone.
However, if you would benefit from having someone formally able to communicate with My Aged Care, aged care providers, and assessors on your behalf, registering a supporter can provide clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved.
How The District Nurses Can Help
At The District Nurses, we understand that navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming, especially when policies and processes are changing. Our team is here to help you and your family understand your options, including how a registered supporter might assist you in managing your care.
We have been supporting Tasmanian families for more than 130 years, providing personalised home care that includes nursing, personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and more. If you have questions about registered supporters or your care options, we welcome you to get in touch.
Contact The District Nurses today to find out how we can support you.
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