How Aged Care Facility Managers Can Stay Compliant with the Aged Care Act 2024

Following recent sweeping reforms, Australia's aged care sector has entered a new era. The Aged Care Act 2024, which commenced on 1 November 2025, fundamentally reshapes how residential aged care facilities are managed, maintained, and held accountable.  

For facility managers, understanding what has changed and acting on it promptly is not optional. It is a legal obligation with real personal and financial consequences.

At its core, the Act shifts Australia's aged care framework to a rights-based model, placing resident safety, dignity, and autonomy at the centre of every operational decision.  

Facility managers classified as "responsible persons" under the Act now carry heightened compliance duties, and breaches can result in personal liability, civil penalties, compensation claims, or banning orders issued by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).

What the New Aged Care Act 2024 Means for Facility Managers

The Act introduces several significant obligations that directly affect how facilities are operated and maintained day to day.

Resident Rights and the Statement of Rights

Every facility must now implement the Statement of Rights, ensuring residents retain genuine autonomy over their care, relationships, and personal risk decisions. This includes maintaining a physical environment that actively supports privacy, dignity, and a high standard of living. A poorly maintained building is no longer just a maintenance issue. It is a compliance failure.

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards took effect on 1 July 2025, and Standard 4 (The Environment) is particularly relevant for facility managers. It requires facilities to provide safe, dignified, and supportive physical spaces that go beyond meeting minimum National Construction Code requirements. Key focus areas include:

• Fire safety systems and emergency readiness

• Accessibility for residents using mobility aids

• Infection control infrastructure, including adequate ventilation

• Technology integration to support electronic records and remote monitoring

• Secure IT systems that enable digital compliance tools

Staffing and Operational Mandates

Facilities must ensure at least one Registered Nurse is on-site and on duty around the clock. Mandatory direct care minute requirements also apply, alongside robust incident management systems, complaints-handling processes, and whistleblower protections. Staff must be trained to use these systems effectively.

Governance, Reporting, and Subcontractor Oversight

Accurate reporting on staffing levels, care minutes, and financial and prudential standards is now mandatory. Facility managers must also oversee associated providers and subcontractors to confirm they comply with both the new standards and the Code of Conduct.

Why Building Maintenance Is Now a Compliance Issue

One of the most significant shifts under the Act is how directly it links physical building maintenance to care quality outcomes. Facilities are expected to facilitate 24/7 care delivery, which includes ensuring spaces are fit for purpose for both residents and staff at all hours. Regular upgrades are needed to sustain compliance during audits, yet those upgrades must be carefully managed to minimise disruption to residents.

Poor maintenance practices can now result in non-compliance penalties. Buildings must demonstrably support the Statement of Rights and prevent unsafe conditions. Smaller and regional facilities face particular pressure, as targeted infrastructure upgrades may be required to meet liquidity-linked standards and avoid potential closures.

While these requirements may increase short-term costs, they are designed to promote long-term operational sustainability. Facilities that invest in proactive maintenance and compliance management now will be better positioned to avoid costly reactive repairs and regulatory consequences later.

A Practical Framework for Compliance Under the New Act

Meeting the demands of the new Aged Care Act requires a structured, proactive approach. Here is a practical framework for facility managers:

1. Audit your current environment against Standard 4 requirements and identify gaps in fire safety, accessibility, infection control, and technology infrastructure.

2. Establish a centralised compliance register that documents all regulatory obligations, inspection schedules, and audit records in one accessible location.

3. Implement automated maintenance scheduling to ensure routine tasks are completed on time and nothing is overlooked during busy periods.

4. Document everything from risk assessments to contractor work orders, creating a clear audit trail that demonstrates ongoing compliance.

5. Monitor staff credentials and training to ensure all personnel remain qualified and that certifications are renewed before they lapse.

6. Review subcontractor compliance regularly, confirming that all associated providers meet the Act's Code of Conduct requirements.

7. Use real-time reporting tools to maintain visibility across all facility operations, enabling quick adjustments when issues arise.

How Facilities Management Software Supports Aged Care Compliance

Managing all of these requirements manually is not sustainable. Purpose-built facilities management software gives aged care operators a practical, scalable solution to control the full compliance workflow in one place.

From asset planning and maintenance scheduling to contractor management, quote approvals, and accounts payable, the right software keeps every step of the process connected and traceable. Automated alerts ensure compliance deadlines are never missed. Real-time dashboards provide operational oversight at a glance. Centralised document storage means audit-ready records are always accessible to authorised personnel.

Risk management tools allow facility managers to schedule regular compliance assessments, log findings, assign corrective actions, and monitor progress, all within a single platform. Workforce management features track staff qualifications, automate credential renewal reminders, and document screening processes so only compliant staff are assigned to critical roles.

For facilities planning ahead, scalable software also supports future regulatory changes without requiring a complete system overhaul. Data-driven insights help managers make informed investment decisions, and integration capabilities allow new technologies to be adopted smoothly as the industry evolves.

Aged Care Compliance Is an Ongoing Commitment, Not a One-Time Task

The New Aged Care Act 2024 is not simply a set of boxes to tick. It represents a fundamental transformation in how Australian aged care facilities are expected to operate, maintain their environments, and protect their residents.  

Facility managers who embrace this shift proactively, supported by the right tools and systems, will be far better placed to deliver quality care and remain viable for the long term.

Ready to simplify compliance and take control of your aged care facility operations? Book a demo with FMI Works today and discover how our industry-proven software can support your team every step of the way.