Statement of Rights

The Statement of Rights in the new Aged Care Act 2024, which came into effect on 1 November 2025, outlines the fundamental rights that older people can expect when accessing government-funded aged care services. It ensures that aged care is centred on the dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing of older Australians.

Key rights include:

• Independence and choice: The right to make decisions about care, lifestyle, and personal belongings - even if there is some personal risk.
• Equitable access: The right to fair, culturally safe, and trauma-aware and healing-informed assessments and services.
• Safe and quality care: The right to services that are respectful, free from abuse or neglect, and delivered by trained professionals.
• Privacy and information: The right to personal privacy and access to information about care and costs.
• Communication and feedback: The right to be informed and communicate in preferred ways, raise concerns without fear, and receive fair responses.
• Support, advocacy and connection: The right to have advocates, maintain social connections, and involve significant people in care decisions.

All aged care providers are required to act in line with this Statement of Rights, ensuring that older people are treated with respect and empowered in their care journey.

Page updated 30 October 2025