Aged Care Act - New Rules Commence 1 November 2025
The aged care sector is undergoing one of the most significant reforms in its history. From 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act and associated Rules will come into effect across Australia, reshaping the way providers deliver care, ensure safety, and maintain trust with residents, families, and staff.
A central feature of the reforms is a stronger emphasis on accountability, transparency, and protection for people who raise concerns. The new legislation makes it clear that every approved aged care provider must have robust reporting mechanisms in place to manage complaints, incidents, and disclosures of wrongdoing. Crucially, these mechanisms must not only meet the technical requirements of the Act, but also reflect best practice in integrity and governance.
Online Reporting – A New Compliance Requirement
One of the most important changes commencing under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules (effective 1 November 2025) is the requirement for providers to ensure access to secure, online reporting channels. This includes the use of independent platforms, such as Stopline, that allow staff, residents, families, contractors, and other eligible individuals to make confidential disclosures safely and without fear of reprisal.
The Rules are explicit: an online reporting option is now mandatory, not optional. Providers that fail to implement a compliant system risk falling short of their obligations under the Act and may face regulatory scrutiny or penalties.
Stopline is proud to confirm that our whistleblower and integrity reporting services are fully aligned with the new Rules. For more than two decades, we have been Australia’s leading independent reporting service, and our online disclosure platform already meets – and in many cases exceeds – the standards required under the new Aged Care Act.
Why Compliance Matters
The intent behind the reforms is clear. Older Australians, their families, and the workforce who care for them must feel safe to speak up if they witness or experience wrongdoing. Whether the issue relates to care quality, workplace culture, fraud, harassment, or safety breaches, the system must support reporting and ensure those who come forward are protected.
For providers, compliance is not simply about avoiding regulatory breaches. It is about building trust and confidence with the people and communities they serve. A trusted, independent reporting system like Stopline demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
How Stopline Supports Aged Care Providers
Compliant with the new Rules: Our secure online portal is fully aligned with the Aged Care Act reforms and the mandatory online reporting requirements commencing 1 November 2025.
Independent and confidential: We provide a safe, external environment for disclosures, ensuring anonymity and protecting individuals from detriment.
Tailored for aged care: With decades of experience across the health and aged care sectors, we understand the unique challenges providers face and design solutions that work in practice.
Trusted by leading organisations: Stopline is Australia’s longest-serving dedicated whistleblower hotline provider, with more than 600 clients nationally.
Prepare Now for 1 November 2025
With the clock ticking towards the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, aged care providers must act now to ensure their systems are compliant. Stopline is ready to partner with you, providing a safe, secure, and proven online reporting mechanism that meets the legislative requirements while also supporting a culture of integrity and accountability.
To learn more about how Stopline can help your organisation prepare for the new Aged Care Act Rules, contact Stopline today. Andrew can be reached at andrewmcleish@stopline.com.au or call the office on 1300 30 45 50 and ask for Andrew.