Australia’s aged care system underwent its most significant legislative reform in decades with the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024.
A Commonwealth department in the health sector engaged Holan Group to develop the Guide to Aged Care Law, an accessible resource that translates complex legislation into practical guidance for older people, providers, workers, regulators and government agencies.
The Guide was developed to help people understand how the new rights-based aged care framework operates in practice while maintaining clear links to the legislation itself.
The challenge
The introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024 fundamentally changed the legislative framework governing Australia’s aged care system. While the legislation established new rights, responsibilities and regulatory obligations, its scale and complexity created challenges for those responsible for interpreting and applying it.
The department needed a resource that would bridge the gap between legislation and practice. It needed to be legally accurate, easy to navigate and accessible to audiences with varying levels of legislative knowledge, from older people and their families through to providers, regulators and government decision-makers.
Approach
Holan Group worked with the department to develop a comprehensive guidance resource that balanced legal accuracy with accessibility.
The project included:
- Translating complex legislation — interpreting the Aged Care Act 2024, the Explanatory Memorandum and the Aged Care Rules 2025 into practical, plain English guidance.
- Structuring content around the legislation — aligning every chapter of the Guide with the structure of the Act, enabling users to move easily between the guidance and the relevant legislative provisions.
- Designing for diverse audiences — developing content that supports older people, families, providers, workers, government agencies and regulators.
- Improving accessibility — publishing the Guide as an online HTML resource with intuitive navigation, chapter summaries and clear cross-references to legislative provisions.
Outcome
Supporting consistent interpretation. The Guide provides a shared reference point for understanding Australia’s new aged care legislation, promoting more consistent interpretation and implementation across the aged care sector.
Making legislation accessible. By presenting complex legal concepts in plain language, the Guide helps older people, providers, workers and government agencies better understand their rights, responsibilities and obligations.
Strengthening implementation. The Guide has become an important implementation resource supporting Australia’s aged care reforms, helping stakeholders navigate legislative change with greater confidence and supporting a more transparent, rights-based aged care system.
Want to learn more?
Holan Group helps government agencies translate complex legislation, policy and regulatory reform into practical guidance that supports implementation, compliance and better decision-making.
We combine legislative expertise with communications, stakeholder engagement and change management to help organisations deliver reform with confidence. Speak with our team about how we can support your next transformation initiative.
What We Offer
Legislative Interpretation
Translating complex legislation and policy into practical guidance that is accurate, accessible and fit for purpose.
Plain Language Communications
Developing guidance, publications and digital content that improve understanding across diverse audiences.
Change Management
Supporting organisations to successfully implement legislative and regulatory reform through structured change strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement
Designing communication approaches that build understanding, confidence and adoption across government, industry and the community.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Guide to Aged Care Law?
It is a practical resource that explains Australia's aged care legislation in plain language while maintaining clear links to the Aged Care Act 2024 and supporting legislative instruments.
Why is guidance like this important?
Major legislative reforms can be difficult to interpret. Practical guidance helps people understand their rights, responsibilities and obligations, supporting consistent implementation across the sector.
Who uses the Guide?
The Guide supports older people, families and carers, aged care providers and workers, government agencies, decision-makers and regulators.
How does the Guide support legislative reform?
It explains legislative requirements in practical language while referencing the relevant provisions of the Act, making it easier for users to understand and apply the new framework.
What makes legislative guidance effective?
Effective guidance combines legal accuracy with plain language, logical structure and practical explanations that help users apply legislation with confidence.
