New Aged Care Legislation: Everything You Need to Know

The aged care sector in Australia is on the brink of a major transformation. From 1 November 2025, new aged care legislation, the Aged Care Act 2024, will come into effect, replacing outdated laws and introducing stronger protections for older Australians. 

For aged care providers, this means the clock is ticking. Preparing for these changes, particularly those relating to food service, must start now. Here is everything you need to know about the new aged care legislation and how the Meal & Menu Planning Course can help you prepare ahead of the November deadline.

Understanding the new aged care legislation

The Aged Care Act 2024 stems from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Its top recommendation was for a rights-based Act that prioritises the needs of older people, not just providers and funding models.

Quick facts:

• Law passed in December 2024
• Enforcement to commence on 1 November 2025
• Replaces the Aged Care Act 1997 and related outdated legislation
• Introduces a more person-centred, transparent and accountable framework

Key changes include:

• Stronger oversight and provider accountability
• Clearly defined rights for aged care recipients
• Updated Aged Care Quality Standards, with a spotlight on food and nutrition

Learn more about what’s changing, why it matters and how to get your facility ready by joining in our upcoming webinar.

Why food service is in the spotlight

One of the most impactful updates under the new aged care legislation is the introduction of Standard 6: Food and Nutrition. This standard recognises that access to nutritious, safe and culturally appropriate meals is a human right and contributes to the quality of life of aged care clients.

Under the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, providers must:

• Partner with residents on food, drink and dining preferences
• Regularly assess and document nutritional needs
• Provide varied, enjoyable and safe meals tailored to individual requirements
• Create positive dining experiences that promote wellbeing and social connection

To meet these expectations, aged care providers must adopt evidence-based practices in menu planning and meal preparation, ensure person-centred approaches are embedded in day-to-day service delivery and implement robust quality monitoring systems to continually evaluate and improve food and nutrition services.

Clinical responsibilities under Standard 5

While Standard 6 focuses on the meal experience, Standard 5: Clinical Care highlights the clinical risks related to nutrition and hydration – a crucial aspect of overall care.

Monitoring and risk management

Under the strengthened standards, providers must:

• Conduct regular malnutrition screenings using validated tools
• Monitor residents for unintended weight loss, dehydration or changes in appetite
• Respond swiftly when residents are malnourished or clinically at risk

Multidisciplinary collaboration

• Include dietitians, GPs, pharmacists and speech pathologists in planning and interventions
• Implement therapeutic diets and feeding strategies safely
• Ensure care plans are clear, up-to-date and shared across relevant team members

Informed and inclusive care

• Respect and document cultural, religious and personal dietary needs
• Support residents to exercise dignity of risk in food choices
• Address barriers to eating and drinking, especially for those with cognitive or physical impairments

By aligning both Standard 5 and Standard 6, providers can deliver food services that are clinically safe, person-centred and legally compliant under the new aged care legislation.

What do you need to do to comply with new aged care standards in Australia?

There are five key areas you should be focusing on ahead of the November 1st deadline:

1. Governance and food safety systems

Review your food safety management system and align it with HACCP principles and updated Quality Standards.

2. Resident-centred meal planning

Menus must reflect each resident’s preferences, cultural background, medical conditions and religious beliefs, with input from allied health and food service teams.

3. Nutritional assessment and monitoring

Conduct regular screenings and assessments, and update care plans to reflect nutritional status and risks.

4. Meal quality and dining experience

Provide safe, nutritious and enjoyable meals in a dining environment that supports social connection and independence.

5. Workforce training and development

All staff involved in meal and menu planning, food preparation and food service must be trained in food safety, clinical nutrition awareness and cultural dietary needs to ensure compliance and quality care.

How the Australian Institute of Food Safety can support you

The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) offers tools and training to support compliance with the new aged care legislation.

Meal & Menu Planning Course

The AIFS Meal & Menu Planning Course equips chefs, food service managers and caregivers involved in menu planning to:

• Create person-centred, nutritious menus
• Understand cultural and clinical dietary needs
• Collaborate with health professionals
• Design food services aligned with evidence-based best practice

Food Handler Course

The AIFS Food Handler Course is essential training for anyone who prepares, handles or serves food in an aged care setting. It covers hygiene, contamination prevention and safe food storage – key skills required to reduce risk.

Food Safety Supervisor Course

The AIFS Food Safety Supervisor Course meets legal requirements for nominated Food Safety Supervisors. It’s a must-have for team leaders, managers or anyone overseeing food operations in your facility.

Checklist: Preparing for the New Aged Care Legislation

Access your free checklist using the form below and use it to stay on track for compliance by 1 November 2025.

Get ready for the changes with AIFS

The new aged care legislation coming into effect on 1 November will significantly raise the bar for food service in aged care. These changes are not only about compliance – they are about enhancing the health, dignity and quality of life for older Australians. You can learn more about what’s changing, why it matters and how to get your facility ready by joining in our upcoming webinar.

Start preparing now. Invest in staff training, review your food systems and engage your residents in meaningful ways. With the right support and tools, you can build a dining experience that meets and exceeds the new standards.