The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: Raising the Bar, but at What Cost to the Workforce?

September 2025

Australia’s aged care sector is preparing for one of the most significant reforms since the Royal Commission — the introduction of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, coming into effect in November 2025.

These Standards are a welcome step forward, setting clearer expectations for quality, accountability, and resident outcomes. They address long-standing gaps in clinical care, food and nutrition, governance, and cultural safety.

But here’s the challenge: while the reforms are outcome-focused and transparent, they shift a heavy compliance burden onto residential aged care providers already struggling with workforce shortages.

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Why the Standards Are Needed

The Royal Commission revealed systemic issues in aged care, from unsafe practices to lack of dignity and respect for residents. In response, the new Standards have been designed around seven domains:

1. The Individual – dignity, choice, cultural safety.

2. The Organisation – governance and accountability.

3. Care and Services – safe, inclusive, person-centred care.

4. The Environment – safe, clean, accessible living spaces.

5. Clinical Care – evidence-based, safe healthcare delivery.

6. Food and Nutrition – nutritious, appetising meals and dining experiences.

7. The Residential Community – social connection and meaningful engagement.

On paper, these changes are exactly what older Australians deserve.

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The Workforce Dilemma

The Strengthened Standards Pilot Project made one thing clear: providers support the reforms, but the workload at service level is significantly higher.

Here are the key workforce risks:

• Administrative Overload Staff — especially RNs and care managers — are being pulled into compliance evidence collation, redirecting precious time away from resident care.

• Workforce Burnout With chronic shortages already straining the sector, new reporting and documentation demands risk compounding stress, fatigue, and turnover.

• Equity Gap Between Providers Larger organisations with compliance teams can manage. Smaller or rural services, however, face disproportionate challenges and risk falling behind despite delivering good care.

• Reduced Resident-Facing Care Time A paradox emerges: reforms designed to improve outcomes may actually pull staff away from residents if compliance becomes the dominant task.

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Risks Beyond the Workforce

Beyond workforce pressures, the sector also faces:

• Interpretation complexity – some requirements (e.g. trauma-aware care) risk inconsistent application without clearer guidance.

• Change fatigue – with multiple reforms (AN-ACC, care minutes, new Act), providers may struggle to manage competing demands.

• Financial pressure – delivering higher standards will require investment in kitchens, staff, and infrastructure, yet funding is limited.

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What Needs to Happen Next

The reforms can succeed, but only if they’re implemented in a workforce-sustainable way.

Recommendations for the Commission (ACQSC):

• Provide clear, practical guidance and examples.

• Take a supportive, educational approach in the first year of implementation.

• Ensure assessor training for consistency.

Recommendations for the Department of Health:

• Urgently finalise and release the Aged Care Rules.

• Provide funding for transition (e.g. nutrition, clinical care, compliance support).

• Streamline reporting to reduce red tape.

Recommendations for Peak Bodies (ACCPA, LASA):

• Support members with tools, templates, and readiness training.

• Advocate strongly for funding and realistic timeframes.

• Create feedback loops to inform regulators of unintended consequences.

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Final Thoughts

The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are a step in the right direction. They place dignity, safety, and quality at the centre of aged care — exactly where it should be.

But the success of these reforms depends on one thing: workforce sustainability. Without additional support, smaller providers risk being overwhelmed, and residents risk losing the direct care time they need most.

If the sector, government, and peak bodies work together, these Standards can be more than compliance — they can truly transform aged care for older Australians.

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