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The clock is ticking … again. The Australian Government has extended the implementation of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, alongside the updated Aged Care Act, to 1 November 2025. This gives aged care providers and their teams four extra months to prepare for the changes.
The decision to bump the date follows sector feedback urging for more time to make sure providers are on top of the reforms and can put them into practice both smoothly and meaningfully. And although the extension offers a bit of breathing room, it also signals a clear message: many providers simply aren’t ready and need to use this time wisely.
Here, we explore how the deadline extension shines the spotlight on some of the broader challenges facing aged care as well as on how your organisation can take advantage of this valuable window. There’s still a lot of work to do. But with the right support and training, this postponement can help you develop new ways of working that deliver safer, more consistent, and person-centred care to older Australians. That way, you can be not just ready – but better – by November.
A sector under pressure: Meeting the challenges ahead
Australia’s aged care sector is facing a perfect storm of pressure. Demand is climbing fast; the country will need 40,000 additional beds within five years, and as many as 370,000 by 2040. It’s going to take more than infrastructure to meet that need. It’s going to take people.
Workforce shortages and retention issues are already impacting care quality. With high turnover and the risk of staff burnout, providers must focus on training, development, and support to build a resilient, capable, and compassionate workforce.
At the same time, outdated or disjointed technology systems make it difficult to deliver consistent, quality care. Providers need to invest in tools that support compliance, streamline operations, and align with the strengthened standards.
Underpinning all of this is the need for cultural change – and that again starts with training. In addition to information, teams need the tools, context, and support to shift their mindsets and embed person-centred care into daily practice.
Capitalise on this extra time
So, take a good, hard look at what you’re not doing yet – or what you’re not doing well. This four-month extension offers a strategic window for you to really get aged care right in light of the reforms. Now’s the time to build workforce capability, review your internal systems, and make sure everyone understands the why behind the changes.
Start by making sure your organisation is familiar with the strengthened standards and is using the trusted resources available, such as the Australian Government’s Quality Standards Resource Centre. It features heaps of practical materials for workforce training, systems reviews, and consumer engagement.
Also, targeted training is key. Kineo Courses’ revamped suite of Aged Care Quality Standards courses – tailored for managers, leaders, and frontline teams – can help your staff effectively and confidently apply each of the standards in real-world settings.
Be sure to review and, if necessary, enhance your systems and processes, from incident management to quality improvement. And importantly, don’t forget to clearly communicate the changes to the people who matter most – the older Australians in your care.
Turn extra time into lasting impact
The deadline is set. This is your opportunity to turn preparation into progress. Use this time to strengthen your team’s knowledge, systems, and confidence so the shift to the new standards and Aged Care Act feels considered, not chaotic. Support your people, develop your culture, and deliver better care.
Enrol now in Kineo’s Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards training suite.
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