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.
