Aged care

Australia’s aged care system is undergoing once-in-a-generation reforms that aim to improve the quality, fairness, and sustainability of aged care services by focusing on the rights and needs of older people. Reforms in development include implementation of the new Aged Care Act 2024, new Quality Standards, a new Aged Care Regulatory system, a new Support at Home program and a national assistive technology program. These reforms are scheduled to commence in stages from 1 November 2025.

How SPA is representing you

We are working with key sector partners, advocating to government and politicians for a system that provides access to speech pathology services in accordance with older people’s assessed needs, and focuses on a reablement approach.

SPA Aged Care External Advocacy Resources
  1. July 2025: SPA Guidance for the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards - meeting communication and swallowing / mealtime support needs
    This resource aims to to provide guidance to aged care providers on recommended actions for services to meet the needs of older people living with communication and swallowing support needs. Actions are mapped against the strengthened quality standards to help providers consider how they may support compliance.
  2. Feb 2025: JOINT Dementia Australia Dementia Practice Webinar Series: Dementia and Allied Health
    A joint webinar between Dementia Australia, Speech Pathology Australia and Occupational Therapy Australia on the role and value of speech pathology and occupational therapy in dementia.
  3. Nov 2024: JOINT STATEMENT - Speech Pathology Australia and Dementia Australia - Speech Pathology & Dementia
  4. Oct 2024: JOINT STATEMENT: Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia: Roles of Speech Pathologists & Dietitians in Dysphagia and texture modified food and thickened fluids