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The Australian Government has deferred the introduction of the new Aged Care Act to 1 November 2025, giving aged care providers more time to prepare for one of the most significant shifts in the sector’s regulatory landscape. While the delay may appear to offer breathing space, it is not a time to pause—it is a critical opportunity to act.

This extra time offers a rare opportunity to plan ahead, strengthen foundations, and lead change on your own terms. Here are three practical ways organisations can make the most of the next few months:

1. Review and Strengthen Your Clinical Governance Framework

The new Act will bring a sharper focus on person-centred care, continuous improvement, and stronger accountability. Now is the time to take stock of your existing clinical governance arrangements and assess whether they are truly embedded across your organisation — not just on paper.

Ask:

• Do staff at all levels understand what good clinical governance looks like?
• Are risks being identified and managed proactively?
• Is there a culture of learning and reflection?

Taking a critical look now allows you to identify gaps and implement improvements well before the new requirements take effect.

2. Invest in Capability Building Across the Organisation

Strong systems are important — but they’re only as effective as the people who use them. Consider how you can build knowledge and capability across your workforce.

This might include:

• Supporting emerging leaders to understand their governance responsibilities
• Providing targeted training in clinical risk, quality improvement, or resident engagement
• Running team discussions on accountability, decision-making, and continuous improvement

Investing in learning now ensures your team will be ready to apply new standards confidently when the time comes.

3. Engage Residents, Families and Staff in Change

Regulatory reform can sometimes feel like something that happens to a service — but it doesn’t have to be that way. Use this time to bring your community into the process.

Start by talking with residents and families about what person-centred care means to them. Ask staff what support they need to improve care quality. Consider co-designing improvements together. These conversations can inform your priorities and ensure that changes are meaningful, not just compliant.

By acting now, aged care providers can move beyond baseline compliance and lay the groundwork for a culture of safe, high-quality, and person-centred care. The delay isn’t downtime — it’s lead time. Use it wisely.