From 1 November 2025, a new rights-based Aged Care Act came into effect. The law is designed to put older people at the centre of decisions about their care, strengthen safeguards, and ensure providers are accountable. 

Key changes include: 

• Clear, enforceable rights to safe, respectful and rights-based care. 

• Increased transparency from providers on fees, quality and services. 

• Expanded powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 

• Easier complaints processes and access to free, independent advocates. 

The Older Persons Advocacy Network has published some information on what these changes could mean for you.  

Knowing your rights, understanding your options, and having the confidence to speak up about your care is important.  

The Self-Advocacy Toolkit from the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides: 

• Easy guides to your aged care rights and choices. 

• Practical steps for solving problems and raising concerns. 

• Checklists to prepare for meetings with providers. 

Additional support is available through OPAN’s free Aged Care Advocacy Line: 1800 700 600. 

If you want to keep living independently, you may be eligible for government-funded support at home. 

Until 1 November 2025, the Home Care Packages (HCP) program continues. From November 2025, this will transition to the new Support at Home program. 

Home Care Packages can cover personal care, nursing, allied health and therapy, minor home modifications, home maintenance, assistive technology, transport and social support. 

How to start: 

• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online. 

• Complete a short eligibility check and arrange an assessment. 

• If eligible, choose a provider and set up your services. 

Tip: If you already have a package, make sure you use it – if your needs grow, you can be re-assessed for a higher level. 

If you can no longer live independently, your assessor may discuss residential aged care options with you. Fees depend on your income and assets. You always have the right to safe, respectful care and to raise concerns at any time. 

Independent advocacy is available through the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and local services such as Seniors Rights Service. 

Complaints can be made directly to your provider or to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 

My office can help: 

• Support you to access My Aged Care, referrals and assessments. 

• Check on wait times and services available locally. 

• Escalate any ongoing issues with providers. 

• Advise you of council programs and local support services. 

You can contact my office on via email helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au or contact one of my electorate offices directly:  

Wangaratta: 117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 | 03 5721 7077 

Wodonga: 79 High Street, Wodonga VIC 3689 | 02 6024 6284 

• Centrelink – Older Australians: 132 300
  • Support with pensions, payments, concessions and other benefits. 

• My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
  • Information, assessments and access to government-funded aged care. 

• Medicare: 132 011
  • Help with medical costs, PBS medicines, in-home and residential care items. 

• Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): 1800 700 600  

• Seniors Rights Service: 1800 424 079   

• Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission: 1800 951 822
  • Oversight of aged care quality and complaints.