The Commission is committed to reducing harm and improving the quality of aged care services so older people can live with dignity, choice and confidence.
As part of this, we use information from across the aged care system to identify emerging patterns of risk.
This enables more targeted monitoring, timelier intervention and coordinated action to improve outcomes for older people.
For 2026–27, we have identified 4 key areas where stronger action to prevent harm and improve care can make the greatest difference to the safety, wellbeing and rights of older people:
- aged care rights in practice
- sexual safety and sexual rights
- de-escalating changed behaviours
- culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people delivered by mainstream providers.
We continue to regulate provider and worker obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024. In addition, we give focused attention to sector risk priorities through our regulatory activities, including to work with the sector to support improved outcomes.
We select sector risk priorities based on:
- their impact on older people
- the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
What this means for providers
Our sector risk program supports providers to better identify and manage risks. This helps to:
- prevent harm
- improve outcomes for older people
- meet community expectations
- strengthen public confidence in our aged care system.
As we work on each sector risk priority, we’ll update this page with information and resources, including:
- guidance
- staff education and training materials
- case studies
- best practice examples
We encourage you to use these resources.
The 2026-27 sector risk priorities
Aged care rights in practice
Every older person has the right to make decisions about their care and services.
This sector risk priority focuses on building a more consistent understanding and application of rights-based practices across the aged care sector. This makes sure older people can make decisions that affect their lives and experience aged care that upholds their choice, dignity, and respect.
Sexual safety and sexual rights
Older people have the right to safe, consensual sexual expression and intimate relationships, and to be free from sexual harm. This sector-risk priority focuses on supporting providers to:
- uphold sexual rights
- promote sexual wellbeing
- prevent, detect and respond to sexual violence and other forms of sexual harm.
De-escalating changed behaviours
Older people experiencing changed behaviours deserve compassionate, person-centred support that promotes safety and wellbeing.
This sector-risk priority focuses on reducing harm through prevention, early intervention and effective de-escalation strategies.
Culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from mainstream providers
Culturally safe care supports better experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receiving aged care services.
This sector-risk priority focuses on:
- improving how mainstream providers deliver culturally safe care
- strengthening how providers understand, respect and respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.