CONVERSATIONS 2 Independent Contractors changing to Employees As part of the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the aged care system, a new Aged Care Act (Act) will come into effect on 1 July 2025. This Act has been developed to address issues facing older individuals, aged care providers, workers, and the broader sector, with the goal of putting the rights and needs of older individuals at the center of the system. The Act aims to ensure that people receiving government-funding aged care services are treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Some key reforms under the new Act include: • A new regulatory model to improve oversight and accountability of aged care providers. • Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring higher levels of care and safety. • The establishment of a Statement of Rights for older individuals, outlining their entitlements and protections. • Easier access to services, with a clear and consistent entry process for individuals seeking care. • Empowering older individuals and their families with greater say in the care and services they receive, along with stronger protections to raise concerns if needed. The changes introduced by the Act are designed to improve the delivery of aged care services across homes, community settings, and residential care environments. Importantly, the Act also focuses on ensuring the qualifications, skills and experience of aged care workers are maintained to the highest standard and promotes the shift towards direct employment of aged care workers. To align with these reforms, West Coast Homecare (WCHC) has made the decision to transition our independent contractors to employees. We want to reassure you that we foresee that the transition will not affect the care and services you receive. All clients will continue to receive care as outlined in their Care and Support Plan. Our goal is to retain as many of our current care workers as possible to minimise any disruption to your care arrangements. Additionally, the new Support at Home program will be introduced from 1 July 2025, helping older individuals to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Please note, the following independent contractors will not transition to employees and will continue to provide services to West Coast Homecare as Independent Contractors: • Home modification builders; • Home maintenance contractors; • Gardening contractors; and • Allied health providers. If any changes are made to your care schedule or assigned workers, your Home Care Coordinator will contact you directly to discuss this. The transition process began in February 2025, with the goal of completing the transition of all affected workers to employees by 7 April 2025. Important Updates in Aged Care Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards www.health.gov.au/our-work/ strengthening-aged-care-qualitystandards Support at Home Program www.health.gov.au/our-work/supportat-home New Aged Care Act www.health.gov.au/our-work/agedcare-act Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Reforms www.health.gov.au/our-work/chsp/ reforms Single Assessment System for Aged Care www.health.gov.au/our-work/singleassessment-system
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