The Minister for Aged Care and Seniors has announced a temporary delay to the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, now set to commence on 1 November 2025 (previously 1 July).

Minister Butler said in his media release: “We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way.”

OTA welcomes the delay to the introduction of the new Aged Care Act until November as a response to the significant concerns raised by the sector. However, for the delay to be meaningful, the key issues raised by the sector need to be addressed.

Today's announcement demonstrates the power of advocacy, speaking with a shared voice and representing the interests of the people impacted. OTA will continue to advocate strongly and engage with the Department and the new Aged Care Minister on concerns we hold about the impacts on the provision of OT services, and the risk to the health, safety, and well-being of older people.

OTA will continue to advocate for changes to the Rules, and in particular, changes to the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications program, and the introduction of unsustainable pricing arrangements.

We will be seeking a meeting with Minister Rae as a priority and will continue to engage with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to continue to advocate for the interests of OTs working in this sector.

We see the delay as an opportunity for the government to provide greater clarity on how the new Act will be implemented and to support the transition to the new arrangements in a way that ensures the sustainability of the OT workforce.

In his open letter to the aged care sector, the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon. Sam Rae said, “We share a commitment to getting these once-in-a-generation reforms right to build a high-quality, sustainable and world-class aged care system for all Australians. I will work hand-in-hand with you, your workers and older people to get the new Act implementation right for all.”