RSL LifeCare Welcomes the Passing of the New Aged Care Act as a Transformative Moment for Older Australians

RSL LifeCare has applauded the passing of the new Aged Care Act, calling it a transformative moment for the sector and for veterans and seniors. This landmark legislation replaces the 1997 Aged Care Act and implements a rightsbased approach to care, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir, expressed strong support for the reforms, highlighting their significance in improving the quality of care and the lives of older Australians.

“This is a pivotal moment for veterans and seniors in Australia, and indeed for RSL LifeCare as we compassionately care for seniors across 80 locations in NSW and the ACT. The new Aged Care Act places the dignity, rights, and needs of seniors at its heart. It is a bold step forward in ensuring the care we provide not only meets expectations but empowers individuals to live with greater choice and respect,” Ms. Muir said.

Ms. Muir commended the bipartisan effort behind the legislation and acknowledged the challenges ahead for residential care providers in implementing the changes.

“As we move towards these reforms, it’s essential that providers are supported with adequate transition time and resources. At RSL LifeCare, we are committed to embracing this new era in residential and home care with readiness and determination, ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality, person-centred services for seniors, including our valued veteran community,” she added.

Ms. Muir held meetings with Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, as well as other important stakeholders to advocate for crucial amendments and new rules on behalf of the veteran and senior community.

These included:

• A 12-month transition period to implement policy changes, workforce training, new management practices and IT updates to ensure compliance without disrupting care.
• Concerns about the interpretation of the words “trauma aware”, with RSL LifeCare emphasising that the current standards risk setting the bar too low particularly for veterans,
• The need to exclude veterans ’welfare related entitlements from the means test for assets, ensuring these entitlements are not unfairly impacted by the new legislation.

RSL LifeCare has been a trusted provider of aged care, home care, retirement living, and veteran services for more than a century. Today, it serves more than 7,500 residents and clients across New South Wales and the ACT, operating with a purpose to enrich the lives of seniors and veterans through compassionate and innovative care.

“Reforms like these are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a better system. RSL LifeCare is proud to be part of this journey and remains dedicated to ensuring that no older Australian is left behind,” Ms. Muir said.

The new Act addresses many of the Royal Commission’s key recommendations and aims to deliver a sustainable future for residential care. It reflects a shared vision for a sector that is financially secure, innovative, and capable of meeting the growing demand for care in Australia’s ageing population.

MEDIA | Tanya Raffoul | 0447 789 965