Update on Council's aged care services
Mount Alexander Shire Councillors unanimously resolved to continue to provide and expand Council’s aged care services at a confidential meeting of Council on Tuesday 17 October 2023.
This decision was made following an extensive review of Council's aged care services in response to national reform of the aged care sector.
Aged Care Act 2024
From 1 November 2025, Australia’s new Aged Care Act will begin setting a stronger foundation for safe, high quality and respectful care for older people.
The new Act puts rights, dignity and choice at the heart of care. It introduces the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, clearer governance and accountability, and greater transparency about how services are delivered and funded.
For older Australians, this means:
- Stronger protection of rights and safety
- Clearer information about services and fees
- Better quality and consistency across all aged care supports
Our aged care team is preparing for these changes to ensure every client continues to receive care that supports independence, respect and wellbeing.
Supported Decision Making
The Supporters Framework helps older people get the support they need to make decisions about their care and services.
Under the new Aged Care Act 2024, a person can choose to have:
- Registered supporters - formally recognised by the government to help with aged care matters.
- Other supporters - trusted family, friends, or advocates who assist informally.
Supporters help the person understand information, express their wishes, and make choices. They must always act in the person’s best interests and respect their right to make their own decisions.
Our service values both registered and other supporters as part of each person’s care team, ensuring care remains safe, respectful, and person centred.
For more information on your rights and responsibilities, please refer to the OPAN website: Supported Decision Toolkit.
Code of Conduct
The newly introduced Code of Conduct under the Aged Care Act 2024 sets out eight mandatory behavioral elements for providers, governing persons and workers.
It ensures care is safe, respectful, dignified and free from abuse, discrimination and neglect.
To find our more, please visit agedcarequality.gov.au
Statement of Rights
The Statement of Rights ensures older people receiving government-funded aged care have rights and independence, choice, equitable access, safe and quality services, respect for privacy and information, person-centred communication including raising issues without reprisal, and maintaining social connections and advocacy support.
To find out more, please visit agedcarequality.gov.au
Quality Care
The Aged Care Act 2024 mandates that services must be safe, effective, person centred and culturally appropriate, ensuring older people live with dignity, respect and meaningful connection. It obliges providers and workers to deliver flexible, high-quality care, respond to risks and continuously improve outcomes.