Starting 1 November 2025, Australia’s aged care landscape will transform as the new Aged Care Act places your rights firmly at the centre of care. At Warrigal, we’re committed to not just meeting these new standards, but exceeding them as we continue our vision of ‘creating a world where older people are known, loved and connected’.

What’s Changing?

The Statement of Rights will replace the current Charter of Aged Care Rights on 1 November 2025, marking a significant shift towards more person-centred care. Unlike the previous charter, this Statement is legally embedded within the new Aged Care Act, meaning your rights are now legally protected and enforceable.

The Statement of Rights recognises that every older person is presumed to have the ability to make decisions about their care and life, putting you firmly in control of your aged care journey.

Understanding Your Six Core Rights

The Statement of Rights encompasses six fundamental areas that shape how aged care services must be delivered:

1. Independence, Choice and Control

You have the right to make your own decisions about what services you use, how you access them, and who provides them. This includes decisions about your money, belongings, and personal relationships, even if there’s some personal risk involved. Most importantly, you have the right to receive support in making these decisions while maintaining control over your life.

2. Fair Access

You’re entitled to a fair and accurate assessment of your aged care needs, conducted in a way that respects your culture, background, personal experiences, and any cognitive conditions. This includes your right to receive palliative care and end-of-life care when needed.

3. Safety and Quality

You have the right to safe, high-quality aged care services that treat you with dignity and respect. Your identity, culture and background must be valued and supported. Services must be accessible, meet your needs, and be provided by adequately trained and qualified workers. You also have the right to be free from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

4. Privacy and Information

Your privacy must be respected, and your personal information protected. You have the right to access records and information about your rights and the services you receive, including their costs. You control when your personal information can be shared with others, such as advocates or family members.

5. Communication That Meets Your Needs

You have the right to receive information in a way you understand and to communicate in your preferred language or method. This includes access to interpreters and communication aids when needed. You also have the right to provide feedback about your services and to meet with providers and supporters in ways that suit you.

6. Support and Connection

You have the right to support from advocates or other people you choose when understanding your rights, making decisions, or making complaints. The important people in your life (family, friends, carers) must have their roles acknowledged and respected. You also have the right to stay connected with your community, including through leisure and cultural activities, and with your pets.

Key Improvements for You

• Stronger Legal Protections: Your rights are now legally enforceable, providing greater protection and peace of mind than ever before.
• Supported Decision-Making: You can register people of your choice to help you make decisions while maintaining complete control over your life.
• Enhanced Complaints Process: An independent Complaints Commissioner will oversee complaints, making the process more transparent and fair.
• Better Whistleblower Protections: Stronger protections exist for anyone who speaks up about aged care issues, including residents, families, carers, and staff.
• Clear Standards for Care Workers: The new Code of Conduct for Aged Care sets legally enforceable behavioural standards for all providers, workers, and volunteers, ensuring they support your right to personal choice, dignity and respect while keeping you safe from harm.

Warrigal Ready: Our Commitment to You

We’re already working to align our services with these new rights because they reflect our core values of Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Innovation. Our commitment to these principles means we welcome these changes as they support our mission of older people living their best lives, on their own terms.

How We’re Preparing:

• Training all our staff on the new Statement of Rights and what it means for daily care
• Reviewing and updating our policies and procedures to exceed the new requirements
• Strengthening our complaints and feedback systems
• Enhancing our supported decision-making processes
• Ensuring our communication methods meet diverse needs and preferences

Accessible Information for Everyone

The Statement of Rights is available in multiple formats to ensure everyone can access this important information:

• Plain English fact sheets for easy understanding
• Easy Read versions with simple language and visual aids
• Multiple languages, including translation functions for six languages other than English
• Audio versions and other accessible formats

This commitment to accessibility reflects the new Aged Care Act’s emphasis on ensuring information is provided in ways that everyone can understand.

Your Next Steps

Understanding your rights is the first step towards ensuring you receive the quality care you deserve. We encourage you to:

1. Read the full Statement of Rights using the resources provided below

2. Discuss these rights with your family, carers, or support people

3. Ask questions – our team is here to help you understand what these changes mean for you

4. Consider who you might want to register as a supported decision-maker

5. Stay informed as we provide updates on implementation

Resources for More Information

• Statement of Rights – Australian Government Fact Sheet
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – Statement of Rights
• Code of Conduct for Aged Care – Fact Sheet
• Exploring Aged Care – Comprehensive Guide
• My Aged Care Website – Latest Updates
• About the new rights-based Aged Care Act

Supporting You Through Change

At Warrigal, we understand that change can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way through these transitions. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, explain how these changes affect your specific situation, and ensure you feel confident and informed about your rights.

These important changes are designed to put you at the centre of your care, giving you more control, better protection, and stronger support than ever before. They represent a significant step forward in ensuring that every older Australian can live with dignity, respect, and choice.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.