When the National General Assembly (NGA) of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) met in Canberra, City of Kingston, Victoria’s largest provider of council aged care services, called on the Federal Government for a two-year transition to the new Aged Care Act, as it will take that long to adapt their services to meet the new requirements.

City of Kingston said local councils will face significant changes under the new Aged Care Act, and older people could be put at risk.

Local councils provide a wide range of aged care services in the community, including nursing, allied health, personal care, transport, meals on wheels, and post-hospital support. 

“Despite the commonly used descriptors like ‘entry level’ or ‘basic support’, the reality is these services play a role in supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our communities,” City of Kingston said. 

The Government's Support at Home reforms, which are part of reforms announced in the wake of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, will be part of the new Aged Care Act, and will combine and replace the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Programs. Support at Home is to start on 1 July 2025, with Commonwealth Home Support Programs to come in no earlier than 1 July 2027, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells announced in November 2023.