Statement of Rights – Upholding Dignity, Choice, and Safety in Aged Care
Putting Older Australians at the Centre of Care
What Is the Statement of Rights?
The Statement of Rights is a cornerstone of the new Aged Care Act, commencing on 1 November 2025. It outlines the rights that older people will have when accessing aged care services—whether at home, in the community, or in residential care.
This rights-based approach ensures that aged care is not just about services, but about respecting the individual, their choices, and their wellbeing. It places older Australians at the centre of the aged care system and holds providers accountable for delivering care that is safe, inclusive, and empowering.
Key Rights Under the New Act
The Statement of Rights affirms that every older person receiving aged care services has the right to:
- Independence, autonomy, and freedom of choice
- Equitable access to funded aged care services
- Quality and safe care
- Respect for privacy and personal information
- Person-centred communication
- Raise concerns without fear of reprisal
- Support from advocates, significant persons, and social connections
These rights are not optional—they are embedded in the legislation and must be upheld by all registered aged care providers. Providers will be required to demonstrate how their actions, policies, and service delivery are consistent with these rights.
Why the Statement of Rights Matters
The Statement of Rights is more than a legal requirement—it’s a cultural shift in how aged care is delivered in Australia. It reflects the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for a system that prioritises dignity, safety, and personal choice.
For older Australians, this means:
- Greater control over their care decisions
- More transparency in service agreements and pricing
- Safer environments free from mistreatment or neglect
- Stronger protections and complaint mechanisms
For providers, it means:
- Embedding rights into every aspect of care delivery
- Training staff to uphold these principles
- Ensuring communication is respectful, inclusive, and accessible
- Creating systems that support feedback, advocacy, and continuous improvement
How We’re Embedding the Statement of Rights
As part of our commitment to reform readiness, we are:
- Integrating the Statement of Rights into all client communications, care planning, and service agreements
- Training our team to understand and uphold these rights in every interaction
- Designing services that promote autonomy, dignity, and cultural safety
- Creating feedback channels that allow clients to raise concerns and shape their care experience
We believe that aged care should be built on trust, respect, and partnership. The Statement of Rights gives us a clear framework to deliver care that is not only compliant—but truly compassionate.
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