Catholic Health Australia (CHA) welcomes the introduction of the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (ACOLA Bill) to Parliament this morning, applauding the Government’s continued momentum in delivering vital reform to Australia’s aged care system.
“Moving ahead with aged care reforms during the re-elected government’s first sitting week is an important sign that aged care is rightly being treated as a key priority,” said CEO Jason Kara.
“These amendments are a very welcome step forward, helping to ensure people’s care is not disrupted as the new Aged Care Act is implemented.
“We thank the Government for its close consultation with the aged care sector - providers, consumers and unions - throughout the transition process and look forward to ongoing collaboration.”
The ACOLA Bill is designed to make essential technical and consequential amendments that support the smooth implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024, including updating outdated legal references.
It also enables the new risk-based regulatory framework by providing rule-making powers to the government to address emerging needs, including ensuring continuity of care.
"The Aged Care Act marked a significant bipartisan commitment to empowering older Australians to live the life they choose with dignity and respect. We hope this same collaborative spirit will guide the swift passage of the ACOLA Bill, giving certainty to older Australians and their families,” said Mr Kara.
The Bill supports the commencement of an improved aged care system from 1 November.
Notes to editors: Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is Australia’s largest non-government, not-for-profit group of health, community, and aged care providers. Our members operate 80 hospitals in each Australian state and the ACT, providing around 30 per cent of private hospital care and 5 per cent of public hospital care, in addition to extensive community and residential aged care. There are 63 private hospitals operated by CHA members, including St Vincent's, Calvary, Mater, St John of God and Cabrini. CHA members also provide approximately 12 per cent of all aged care facilities across Australia, in addition to around 20 per cent of home care services. 25 per cent of our members’ service provision is regional, rural and remote.
Contact details:
Charlie Moore: 0452 606 171