Exclusive: Care minutes for religious sisters to count under updated Aged Care Rules
Care minutes delivered by qualified religious sisters in residential aged care homes will now be formally recognised under the Federal Government’s care minute rules.
This change Catholic Health Australia says is critical for a number of faith-based providers ahead of looming compliance penalties.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has updated its definition of a Personal Care Worker to include a person who is a member of a religious order – such as a nun or religious sister – who is also a Registered or Enrolled Nurse.
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) said the clarification resolves a long-running issue: religious sisters were being excluded from care minute counts because they are volunteers and not paid on an hourly basis, despite being clinically qualified and delivering direct care.
“Catholic aged care providers raised concerns that the valuable care provided by volunteer religious sisters was not being counted under the current aged care rules, despite their nursing qualifications and years of service,” said CHA Director of Aged and Community Care Alex Lynch.
“This is a sensible change that recognises the vital role of qualified religious sisters in aged care, particularly supporting low-income Australians and those living in the regions. We thank Aged Care Minister Sam Rae for listening to those concerns and acting quickly to ensure this care is now properly recognised.”
Why it matters now
Care minutes are not only a workforce measure – they directly impact a facility’s compliance position and, increasingly, its financial outlook.
Mandatory care minutes were introduced from 1 October 2023 and lifted again from 1 October 2024 to an average of 215 minutes per resident per day, including 44 minutes delivered by a Registered Nurse.
With financial penalties for non-compliance approaching for metropolitan services from 1 April 2026, the change provides reassurance for providers that rely on religious sisters as part of their qualified care workforce.
CHA said the updated definition means every minute of direct care – whether delivered by qualified lay staff or religious sisters – will be treated equally under the rules, helping homes meet care minute targets and maintain funding levels.
“Without the Little Sisters, there is no operation”
The Little Sisters of the Poor, which has operated in Australia since 1884, runs three aged care homes in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, caring for 170 older Australians of low or no income.
“We have five to six sisters working in each of our homes performing a range of duties from nursing and personal care through to spiritual support,” said Sister Angela, Regional Superior of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
“Without the Little Sisters, there is no operation and this would leave hundreds of elderly poor with limited or no options for aged care. We have dedicated ourselves to caring for the elderly and it’s important that our care minutes are recognised and that we meet our legal obligations to provide them,” she said.
“This essential support would be lost”
The Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, which has supported older Australians for more than 70 years, operates 148 beds in Mackay and 30 beds in Adelaide. Their Francis of Assisi Home in Mackay was the first aged care home established in North Queensland when it opened in 1954.
“We have three Sisters who are registered nurses. Between them they contribute up to 154 hours a week of nursing and personal care to our residents,” said Director of Nursing Sister Pauline Bonavia.
“God called us to religious life to serve others with compassionate and generous love and we do our work according to this calling. Our residents rely on the Sisters for compassionate medical, nursing, and spiritual care; without them, this essential support would be lost.”
How many homes are affected?
CHA estimates around 15 facilities will be impacted immediately – with the potential for more homes to benefit over time as the sector tightens its care minute compliance and reporting ahead of the new penalties.
You can read the updated care minutes and 24/7 Registered Nurse requirements on the Department’s website here.
