The decision to defer the commencement of aged care reforms until 1 November is not just a sensible move, it’s an essential one. For many providers, including Whiddon, the additional time offers a moment to breathe, reset, and recommit to doing this properly.
There’s no question that the past six months have stretched our sector. Providers have been working around the clock to prepare for transformative change, while policymakers are still finalising critical details, including key legislative amendments, essential to the implementation of the reform. This created an environment of uncertainty and stress, not only for providers but for the people at the heart of this work: our elders, employees, and their families.
The deferral, while late, is a win for common sense. It reflects a collective acknowledgment, by the Government and providers alike, that the original timeline had become unworkable.
Importantly, this decision doesn’t slow down the momentum of reform; it strengthens it by giving us the chance to implement changes with the quality, clarity, and care that older Australians deserve.
Reform of this scale needs time
Let’s be clear: this isn’t minor policy tinkering. The new Aged Care Act represents a once-in-a generation reform that will redefine how we deliver aged care across Australia. But the scale and impact of what’s being asked has been significantly underestimated.
We’re talking about changes that touch every part of a provider’s operations, from systems and governance to training, culture, and the way we engage with residents and families. These aren’t items you can simply tick off a checklist. They require time, understanding, and genuine transformation.
We need comprehensive communication, released early and clearly. We need guidance that is practical and easy to navigate. We need space for employees to not only learn but absorb what’s expected of them. We need systems updated and tested to ensure they work for the people who matter most, those in our care.
What needs to happen now
The extra four months is not a solve-all solution, but it is a valuable chance to get this right. As a sector, we must use this time wisely and collaboratively. That means continuing to implement the components of the reform that are ready and will have an immediate impact.
At Whiddon, we’re focused on embedding a staged approach to employee training that builds genuine capability over time. We’re strengthening our engagement with residents and families, and we’re already starting to apply elements of the new Quality Standards.
These aren’t just procedural updates, they’re the foundation of a person-centred model of care that reflects our values and the intent of reform.
Collaboration is critical
To make the most of this window, we need improved two-way communication with Government.
Guidance must be timely, consistent, and responsive to the real-world conditions providers are facing. And as a sector, we need to keep listening, sharing insights, and working together to ensure that when November 1 arrives, we’re not scrambling, we’re confident, equipped, and aligned.
This reform is too important to rush and too critical to get wrong. The deferral avoids a band-aid approach to implementation and gives us valuable time to honour its ambition. Let’s make the most of it.
