For Greek Australians with family members in aged care, or needing homecare November 1, 2025, is be a landmark day. The long-awaited new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program finally takes effect.

It has been 1,706 days since the Aged Care Royal Commission handed its final report to the Governor-General. Since then, the sector has faced constant policy shifts, workforce shortages, and rising costs, leaving both families and providers struggling to plan for the future. Now, after nearly five years of uncertainty, the rules of the game are finally clear.

For residential aged care providers, the benefits of certainty are evident. Property valuations are climbing, workforce applications are up, and balance sheets are healthier than they have been in years. Aged Care Minister Sam Rae told the ABC that government expenditure in home care has more than doubled in the past five years, highlighting a commitment to supporting Australians to stay in their homes longer—while keeping the system sustainable and equitable.

Fronditha Care CEO, Faye Spiteri via video call. Photo: Neos Kosmos

Faye Spiteri from Fronditha Care on the changes

Fronditha Care has has been serving the Greek community for 48 years and CEO Faye Spiteri underscored the fact the new “human rights-based approach”.

“The reason why it has become an act with regulation and implementation that focuses on the individual is because it needs to be a human rights-based approach…so that older people can feel secure,” Spiteri told Neos Kosmos.

The reforms said Spiteri will touch every aspect of aged care, from governance and workforce planning to education and communication.

“Every part of the organisation and every aspect is impacted—from governance…to educating our community on the benefits of aged care services,” she said.

Spiteri says that the changes respond directly to longstanding issues highlighted by the 2019–2020 Royal Commission. The previous Aged Care Act, largely unchanged since the 1970s, no longer reflected modern Australia’s diverse ageing population nor the range of of providers—government-funded, not-for-profit, religious, and private.

“A key Royal Commission recommendation was to prioritise the rights and needs of elders rather than focusing primarily on compliance frameworks for providers,” Spiteri said.

Under the new Act, older Australians now have a statement of rights embedded in law, meaning providers face consequences if standards are not met. The legislation also promotes culturally, spiritually, and physically appropriate care, recognising that many elders act collectively with family and community rather than in isolation. “It’s really about the development of a statement of rights for older people…entrenched in legislation, which means there are consequences if providers don’t follow,” Spiteri explained.

For Greek families, these reforms are important. Fronditha Care has embraced the new Act as a framework to enhance its services, ensuring care is holistic and culturally sensitive. “Cultural safety is about belonging…it’s not enough to say, ‘Oh well, we made moussaka today,’” Spiteri said.

Meaningful cultural practices include “gender preferences in personal care, celebrating Greek cultural events, and engaging residents in educational and cultural programs”, including virtual reality experiences and museum collaborations.

A major focus of the reforms is supporting elders to age in place at home, reflecting the growing costs of residential care—including construction costs of $350,000–$500,000 per bed. Fronditha’s care teams now include nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists, ensuring support is holistic, not just domestic.

“We’ve got a team of very sophisticated care partners…to look at the individual holistically,” said Spiteri.

The Act also simplifies assessments and service delivery, replacing multiple evaluations for home and residential care with a single pathway. “The most challenging part is being out in the field…how do our staff relay all the changes and allay the anxiety of our clients?” Spiteri said, acknowledging the ongoing adjustment period for both clients and providers.

Under the new Act, older Australians now have a statement of rights embedded in law, meaning providers face consequences if standards are not met. Photo: Fronditha Care

While new clients may face asset testing and service contributions, the reforms aim to prioritise clinical need and support the most vulnerable, with provisions for hardship. Supported decision-making ensures older Australians can make choices safely, even in cases of family tension or elder abuse. “It’s about empowering older people to make choices independently and safely,” Spiteri said.

Spiteri said that Fronditha Care is well-prepared to implement the reforms, particularly in residential care, while the full impact on home care packages will take time to unfold. “In terms of the human rights approach and cultural safety, we’re ahead of the game. Our focus remains on holistic, culturally sensitive care, ensuring older Australians can live securely, with dignity, and as independently as possible.”

For Greek Australians, the message is clear: November 1 isn’t just another date—it’s a turning point, offering families certainty, dignity, and a system designed to respect both human rights and cultural identity.

WHAT GREEK FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW

· November 1 is a turning point: The new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program aims to brings clarity and certainty.

· Focus on human rights: Older Australians now have a statement of rights embedded in legislation, ensuring safety, dignity, and accountability.

· Culturally appropriate care: Providers must respect cultural, spiritual, and gender preferences.

· Simplified access: Multiple assessments are replaced by a single pathway for home and residential care.

· Holistic support: Care includes nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists—beyond just domestic help.

· Aging in place at home: Home care is now prioritised, offering families alternatives to costly residential care.

· Supported decision-making: Elders can access independent advocates if family tension or elder abuse exists.

· Equity and affordability: New clients may face asset testing, but government funding prioritises those with the greatest need.

View the Faye Spiteri interview on these important changes here.

For the New Aged Care Act go to www.health.gov.au/our%20work/aged-care-act