Understanding Aged Care Act 2024

The Aged Care Act 2024 is the most significant legislative overhaul of Australian aged care in over 25 years. This training guide helps aged care staff understand the key changes, their individual obligations under the new Act, and how it connects to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards — all written in plain language for frontline workers.

Published

May 29, 2026

Understanding the Aged Care Act 2024: A Training Guide for Aged Care Staff

Australia's Aged Care Act 2024 replaced the Aged Care Act 1997 and came into effect on 1 July 2025, marking a generational shift in how aged care is regulated in Australia. The new Act places the rights of older people at the centre of the legislative framework, introduces new obligations for providers and workers, and aligns with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. This training guide explains what aged care staff need to know — in plain language.

What This Training Covers

Why the Aged Care Act 2024 was introduced — context and reform rationale
Key differences from the 1997 Act — what changed and what it means in practice
The Statement of Rights — the rights of older people under the new Act
Provider obligations — what approved providers must now do
Worker obligations — new duties for individual aged care workers
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission — its expanded powers
The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) under the new legislative framework
Penalties and enforcement — what happens when providers or workers fail to comply

Key Learning Outcomes

Describe the purpose and key reforms introduced by the Aged Care Act 2024
Explain the Statement of Rights and how it applies to the care of consumers
Identify their individual obligations as an aged care worker under the new Act
Understand the consequences of non-compliance — for providers and individuals
Connect the Act's requirements to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Who Should Complete This Training

All aged care workers — including PCAs, RNs, Allied Health, management and administrative staff. Understanding the Aged Care Act 2024 is a fundamental literacy requirement for everyone working in the sector. Recommended as part of induction for all new staff from 1 July 2025.

Alignment to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The Aged Care Act 2024 is the enabling legislation for the Strengthened Standards. Standard 2 (The Organisation) requires providers to operate within the legislative framework; all Standards are underpinned by the rights and obligations established in the Act.

Navigate the Aged Care Act 2024 with Confidence

Governa's Norma assistant is grounded in the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Strengthened Standards — giving your team instant, policy-aligned answers to compliance questions without scrolling through legislation.

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