Australia's Aged Care Reform Leads to Staffing Gaps and Rising Complaints

On 1 November 2025 the Aged Care Act 2024 replaced the 1997 legislation, creating a rights‑based framework with seven quality standards that cover governance, care delivery, clinical services, environment, nutrition and community living. The new law obliges providers to engage qualified staff, implement broader screening and maintain a registered nurse on site around the clock for residential homes.

Providers are struggling to meet these requirements. Industry analyses estimate a national shortfall of about 35,000 aged‑care workers, and forecasts call for an additional 110,000 direct‑care staff by 2036. The demand for qualified nurses, especially for night‑shift coverage, has intensified.

In the first two months after the reform, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission recorded 2,553 complaints – roughly 1,277 per month – up from the preceding four‑month average of 1,053. Residential‑care complaints accounted for 1,511 of those, with the most common issues relating to staff numbers, medication management, family communication, staff conduct and fall prevention. Additional complaints concerned fees, charges and workforce concerns.