Consultation Hub

Between November and December 2024, we sought your feedback on how Star Ratings are calculated and other proposed improvements.

We received feedback from residential aged care providers, workers, peak bodies, older people and their support networks.

Approximately 271 people participated in the consultation through in-person and virtual sessions, online surveys and written submissions.

We heard support for:

• changing the way the Compliance and Staffing ratings are calculated and displayed –providing more clarity on the quality of care in aged care homes
• the introduction of half stars to the Overall Star Rating – helping people to make more informed choices about residential aged care
• the display and explanation of environmental restraint policies alongside the Quality Measures rating – providing greater transparency around the use of these practices in aged care homes.

We developed a report of findings. You can access the summary report here.

Star Ratings will transition to a re-designed Compliance rating from commencement of the new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025.

From 1 October 2025, aged care homes need to meet care minute targets to achieve 3 or more stars for their Staffing rating.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure Star Ratings continues to be a valuable resource for all.

We sought your feedback via the Consultation Hub followed by a stakeholder workshop about the proposed new format for Prescribed List billing codes.

Our initial proposal was a 5-digit ANNNN format.

You raised concerns that the ANNNN format did not allow for sponsor-specific prefixes.

You raised concerns about system changes and implementation timeframes.

You suggested alternative formats:

• a 6-digit format
• using the same format as Part B billing codes (AAANN)
• remapping billing codes
• reusing previously deleted billing codes
• using AANAN format

Other parameters or matters we all identified:

• preference to retain a sponsor-specific prefix
• the format must clearly distinguish between PL and MBS and ARTG codes
• the format must clearly distinguish between medical devices (Part A, C and D) and human tissue products (Part B)
• remapping would require substantial resources
• reusing billing codes would risk losing or mixing historical data between devices and/or sponsors

We reviewed all suggestions, feedback and parameters and decided on the following format:

AXNNN, with AX remaining as a sponsor-specific prefix.

This format addresses all risks and parameters.

There are over 80 previously deleted billing codes that have used this AXNNN format. We will ensure that these billing codes are not reused or reallocated by the Health Products Portal (our online application system for the PL) in the future.

***YOU CAN FIND A TEST XML FILE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IN THE 'RELATED' SECTION BELOW***

***PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO FORMAT CHANGES TO PART B BILLING CODES***

The Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth) (the Act) forms the basis of a nationally consistent scheme for the regulation of genetically modified organisms, known as the National Gene Technology Scheme (the Scheme).

The Department of Health and Aged Care (Department) asked for your views and input on proposed amendments to the Act through submissions to the Consultation Hub.

A consultation paper, fact sheets and compilation draft of the draft Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2024 (the Amendment Bill) were published online alongside the Amendment Bill to assist all interested stakeholders in addressing the consultation questions.

Additionally, a public information webinar, and a one-day information workshop with targeted stakeholders, were also held to further support understanding of the proposed changes to Australia’s gene technology legislation. 

In total, over 700 subscribers to the National Gene Technology Scheme were directly engaged to participate in the consultation, not including other announcements shared by state and territories and the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

58 submissions were received from regulated organisations, peak bodies, interest groups, universities and researchers, government agencies and members of the public.

A majority of the submissions indicated broad support for the proposed amendments to the Act. However, some submissions asked for more information and clarity on the changes planned for the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 and proposed Rules. Submissions offered a range of suggestions to refine or clarify the operation of specific provisions, including for example certain definitions and in relation to the expanded compliance enforcement and monitoring provisions.

We note that a small number of submissions provided feedback that was outside the scope of this phase of consultation, was general in nature, or which had been considered through earlier consultation phases for these reforms.

We have analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process, and are working with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, the Gene Technology Standing Committee and relevant government agencies to develop a final draft of the Amendment Bill for consideration and approval by Commonwealth, State and Territory gene technology ministers, before its introduction into the Federal Parliament.