New Aged Care Act: Introducing the Provider Requirements Search Tool

The aged care sector is undergoing a profound transformation with the introduction of the new Aged Care Act 2024 and its Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (August 2025). As a trusted partner to providers, Anchor Excellence is committed to helping you navigate this new landscape with confidence and clarity.

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has launched a critical new resource: the Aged Care Provider Requirements Search Tool. This tool is designed to provide clear, actionable guidance to all providers as the sector moves towards a new era of accountability, transparency, and quality.  

Key Features of the Search Tool

This comprehensive tool allows you to efficiently identify and understand the specific requirements applicable to your organisation, including:

• Conditions of Registration: Essential prerequisites for operation.  
• Provider Obligations: Detailed requirements covering governance, workforce, reporting, and complaints management.  
• Statutory Duties: The legal responsibilities for providers and their key personnel.  
• Rules and Standards: Including financial, prudential, and incident management standards.  

By linking directly to the Act, Rules, and other supporting materials, the tool serves as a practical, one-stop reference point for boards, executives, and operational leaders.

Requirements for All Providers

The new framework introduces several universal obligations that apply to every registered provider. These include:

• Upholding the Statement of Rights and Code of Conduct for aged care.  
• Implementing effective complaints and feedback processes.  
• Adhering to strict worker screening requirements.  
• Protecting personal information.  
• Ensuring the suitability of responsible persons.  
• Meeting the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.  

Essential Education and Training

To support the sector’s transition, the Department has also released a suite of education and training modules. These resources are invaluable for preparing your entire workforce and cover topics such as:  

• Understanding the key changes and your role.
• Aligning operations with the new standards.  
• Embedding a culture of proactive compliance and quality.  
• Addressing implementation challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.  

Proactive Compliance is Key

The release of these resources signifies a fundamental shift in the regulatory approach. Providers are now empowered with clear, practical guidance to prepare proactively, rather than reacting to audits or enforcement.  

At Anchor Excellence, we strongly recommend that you:

• Familiarise yourself with the new Search Tool and use it to map your obligations against your current policies, governance, and workforce practices.
• Identify any gaps and develop a strategic transition roadmap to ensure readiness before the new framework takes full effect on 1 November 2025.

How Anchor Excellence Can Assist

We understand that navigating these changes can be complex. Our team of expert advisors can provide tailored support to help your organisation:

• Interpret your specific obligations under the new Act and Standards.
• Strengthen your governance and risk management systems.
• Prepare your workforce for the upcoming changes.
• Align your policies and processes with the new requirements.  

Contact Anchor Excellence today to discuss how we can help your organisation confidently meet the new requirements and continue to deliver excellence in aged care.