Preparing for the New Aged Care Act: Why the Priority Actions List Matters

With the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program commencing on 1 November 2025, providers are entering one of the most significant reform periods the sector has seen. To help guide this transition, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released an updated Priority Actions List. This is a practical tool designed to support providers in preparing for the changes ahead.

Why this matters

The new Act represents more than a regulatory update; it reshapes how providers deliver care, engage with consumers, and demonstrate accountability. A smooth transition requires careful planning, system readiness, and workforce capability. The Priority Actions List gives providers a clear roadmap of what needs to be addressed both before and after 1 November, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

What’s included in the list

The actions cover key areas that directly impact operations, compliance, and client experience, including:

• Developing new service agreements for Support at Home, including the use of fee estimators.
  
• Submitting claims to Services Australia under updated requirements.
  
• Understanding and implementing changes to residential fees and contributions.
  
• Managing digital changes set to take effect on 1 November.
  
• Clarifying requirements for Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) and NATSIFAC providers.
  
• Reviewing governance structures to ensure clear accountability and leadership.
  
• Training and upskilling the workforce, including verifying worker credentials.
  
• Ensuring IT systems and client records meet compliance standards.
  

What providers should do now?

Every provider should use the Priority Actions List as a checklist and planning tool. It highlights the areas where immediate action is required, while also pointing to longer-term changes that will affect governance, compliance, and service delivery. By addressing these areas early, providers can reduce the risk of disruption, ensure compliance from day one, and maintain consumer trust during the transition.

At Anchor Excellence, we are already working with providers to review governance, update policies and processes, and prepare teams for the new environment. Having strong systems in place now will mean you can focus on what matters most. We deliver safe, quality, person-centred care under the new Act.