Aged Care 2024

# Aged Care Bill 2024 ## What it does This bill creates a new legal framework for how aged care services operate in Australia, setting out the rights of older people in care, the standards providers must meet, and the responsibilities of people supporting aged care recipients. It replaces and updates previous aged care laws to establish clearer rules about quality of care, what counts as a reportable problem, and when restrictive practices (like restraint or isolation) can be used. ## Why it matters If you or someone you love receives aged care services, this bill directly affects the standard of care they're entitled to and what happens if things go wrong. It also makes it clearer what aged care providers can and can't do, and sets out penalties for serious failures—giving families more protection and recourse. ## Key details - **Statement of Rights and Principles**: The bill establishes a formal list of what older people in aged care can expect—dignity, privacy, choice, and safe care—and principles providers must follow. - **Restrictive practices rules**: The bill defines when providers can restrict someone's freedom (like locking doors or limiting movement) and requires specific justifications, moving away from a culture where this was common. - **"Supporters" framework**: Family members or carers designated as "supporters" have specific duties to help protect the older person and are given legal protections when they're advocating on someone's behalf.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament