National Conference 2025 - program | Ageing Australia conferences

Conference program

The Ageing Australia National Conference program is thoughtfully designed to deliver the most valuable and forward-thinking content in the aged care sector.

From strategic insights on policy and reform to practical sessions on operational excellence, workforce and innovation, the program addresses the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. You will hear from industry leaders, government representatives and innovators shaping the future of aged care, retirement living and senior housing.

Explore a comprehensive agenda that equips you with actionable knowledge, fresh perspectives and real-world strategies to support excellence and sustainability in your organisation.

Don’t miss the premier aged care event of the year—where knowledge meets impact.

Tuesday 30 September 2025
Plenary session
9am	Conference opening	Virginia Trioli, Master of Ceremonies
9.10am	Welcome to country	Local elder
9.20am	Official opening of conference	Mick Reid AM, Chair, Ageing Australia
9.30am	The aged care landscape now and towards 2035	Mark McCrindle, Founder, McCrindle
10.15am	Minister for aged care and seniors address	Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (invited)
10.30am	Shadow minister's address	Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator for South Australia (Invited)
10.40am	Diamond sponsor address
10.45am	Morning tea
11.30am	Diamond sponsor address
11.35am	Opening panel session: Meeting the Moment. Shaping the Future.	Facilitator: Virginia Trioli, Master of Ceremonies Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Craig Gear OAM, CEO, OPAN Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
12.25pm	Platinum sponsor address
12.30pm	Lunch
Concurrent stream A
A1 - Co-designing the future This stream will focus on the essential role of consumer and participant perspectives in shaping aged care policy, services and practice. Focusing on lived experience, participation and engagement, it will explore how actively listening to and involving older people and their families can drive meaningful improvements, promote person-centred care and ensure decisions truly reflect the needs and priorities of those receiving care.
A2 – Transition to the new aged care act: From intention to implementation The new Aged Care Act represents a shift to rights-based, person-centred care. With new obligations, language and expectations, providers are adapting systems, culture and practices to meet the intent of the legislation. This stream will focus on how providers are interpreting and enacting the Act’s principles in everyday operations, governance and culture.
A3 - A good death: Conversations on choice, care and dignity This stream will explore best practice in end-of-life care, encompassing palliative approaches, voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and the principles of a “good death.” Sessions will focus on how providers can create environments that honour individual choice, provide comfort and support families through the journey, while navigating the clinical, ethical and cultural considerations of end-of-life care.
A4 - Strength in stewardship: Governance that drives impact Good governance is the foundation for safe, sustainable and accountable aged care. This stream will explore how providers are strengthening their systems to manage risk, meet legislative expectations and ensure quality outcomes.
A5 – People power: Building and sustaining the aged care workforce The aged care sector continues to face a critical staffing shortage amidst growing demand. We’re seeking forward-thinking ideas and real-world examples that show how to attract, train, support and retain a capable, diverse and future-ready workforce.
A6- Support at home and CHSP Delivering care in the home presents unique opportunities and challenges for supporting older people to live independently and with dignity. This stream will explore models, innovations and best practices in home-based aged care, highlighting strategies to enhance quality, coordination and responsiveness.
A7- Meeting the moment with AI: The future of aged care Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept — it’s becoming a practical tool to reimagine aged care. This stream will explore how AI can support providers to deliver more personalised care, improve workforce efficiency, and strengthen decision-making.
Plenary session
4.15pm	Platinum sponsor address
4.20pm	International panel session	Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia Joseph Musgrave, CEO, Home and Community Care Ireland Michelle Palmer, Executive Director, RVANZ Hon Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association New Zealand Janice Chia, Founder and Managing Director, Ageing Asia Singapore
5.05pm	Welcome reception sponsor address	Foxtel
510pm	Welcome reception

Wednesday 1 October 2025
Plenary session
9am	Welcome to day two	Virginia Trioli, Master of Ceremonies
9.05am	CEO address	Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
9.45am	Responsible intelligence: Meeting the AI moment	Dr Kobi Leins, International lawyer in digital ethics, disarmament and human rights.
10.25am	Platinum sponsor address
10.30am	Morning tea
Concurrent stream B
B1 - The global view: International practice and perspectives Australia continues to make significant strides toward delivering high-quality aged care, yet there is much to gain from looking beyond our borders. International experiences offer fresh ideas, proven approaches and diverse cultural perspectives that can spark innovation and improvement. Leave inspired from international learnings that can help shape the next evolution of aged care in Australia.
B2 – Health interface: Integrating services to improve outcomes Aged care providers are increasingly expected to operate within a broader health ecosystem – partnering with hospitals, GPs, allied health professionals and community services to deliver coordinated, preventative and responsive care. What models of integration are delivering better health outcomes for older people and how can aged care providers evolve to become active players in the health continuum?
B3- Living well with dementia: Culture, care and community This stream will emphasise the importance of culture, the influence of the built environment and the power of working together to improve outcomes and create supportive, life-affirming experiences for people living with dementia.
B4 – Beyond the plate: Nutrition, dignity and choice Food and nutrition are at the heart of daily life in aged care, shaping both health outcomes and the lived experience of residents. This stream explores the critical role of nutrition in preventing decline, supporting wellbeing and promoting dignity, while also considering the importance of enjoyable and inclusive mealtime environments.
B5 – Building better care: Planning for development and capital investment This stream explores how organisations can align new developments, refurbishments, and ongoing projects with service needs, regulatory requirements, and future growth. It also examines approaches to funding and resourcing these initiatives, ensuring investments deliver lasting value for residents, staff and the wider community.
B6 – Wellbeing in aged care: A holistic approach Supporting the wellbeing of older people – and the workforce who care for them – is central to person-centred care. Wellbeing encompasses more than physical health; it includes emotional, mental, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions. This stream will highlight holistic initiatives that improve life for older people and aged care staff alike.
B7 – Digital strategy & transformation Shaping the future of aged care requires more than adopting new tools — it demands a clear digital vision. This stream will explore how organisations can harness data, technology and innovation to transform service delivery, enhance resident and client outcomes, and build efficiency across operations.
12.45pm	Lunch
2.15pm	Fishbowl Conversations
C1 – Welcome home? Not for everyone Home care is meant to support older Australians in the comfort of their own homes, but not all experiences are equal. This panel will explore culturally safe, inclusive approaches to care delivery, while highlighting the challenges faced by the workforce entering private homes, including discrimination and bias. Hear from our panel the challenges and opportunities to create a truly equitable home care system.
C2- Star ratings - Do they really improve care Are star ratings driving real improvements in aged care, or just adding pressure on providers? Join the discussion as we debate the impact, value, and limitations of this rating system.
C3- NDIS - Where did it all go wrong? The National Disability Insurance Scheme has transformed support for people with disability, but its ongoing challenges offer important lessons for aged care. This conversation examines where the system has faced gaps and frustrations and will draw on insights that aged care organisations can learn from to improve service delivery, enhance outcomes and navigate complex reforms.
C4- Digital reform or digital frustration? This session explores the practical realities of implementing digital reforms and transformation. Hear from providers, policy experts, and technology leaders as they discuss successes, frustrations, and lessons learned, and explore how ICT can genuinely improve care delivery without adding complexity or undermining the human connection at the heart of aged care.
C5 – Migration: The silver bullet or a stopgap? As aged care faces workforce shortages and increasing demand, migration is often proposed as a solution—but is it a sustainable long-term strategy or a temporary fix? This conversation will explore the role of migration in addressing workforce challenges, examining policy, ethical and practical considerations.
C6 - Investing in skills: Who will fund the workforce of tomorrow? A skilled, well-trained workforce is critical to delivering high-quality aged care — but who should pay for it? This session explores the challenges and responsibilities of funding workforce training, upskilling, and professional development. Hear from our expert panel as they discuss innovative approaches, shared responsibility models, and strategies to ensure the aged care sector can attract, retain, and equip the workers needed to meet tomorrow’s demand.
C7 - AI: depersonalising service or freeing up time to support care? Artificial intelligence is transforming aged care, offering opportunities to streamline tasks, enhance efficiency and support staff. But does automation risk depersonalising services, or can it free time for more meaningful, person-centred care? This conversation will examine the promises and pitfalls of AI in the sector, exploring practical applications, ethical considerations, and impacts on staff and residents.
3.15pm	Afternoon tea
3.45pm	Building a sustainable care and support economy
4.15pm	The ideal of human rights and the reality of legal protections
4.55pm	Networking drinks sponsor address
6.30pm	Networking drinks

Thursday 2 October 2025
Plenary session
9am	Welcome to day three	Virginia Trioli, Master of Ceremonies
9.05am	Platinum sponsor address
9.10am	Department of Health, Disability and Ageing address	Sonja Stewart, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
9.35am	Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission address	Liz Hefren-Webb, Commissioner, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
10am	Trends, challenges and opportunities in aged care
9am-10.30am	Strategic spotlight on retirement living and seniors housing
10.30am	Morning tea
Concurrent stream D
D1 - Care economics: Foundations for sustainable aged care Effective financial management is crucial to the delivery of high-quality services and the long-term viability of aged care providers. This stream will explore strategies for sustainable financial management, investment and innovation in a complex and regulated environment.
D2 - Leaders who lift: Evolving leadership in aged care Aged care leaders are navigating enormous responsibility — from driving performance and compliance to leading culture and care transformation. This stream will showcase stories and strategies that strengthen leadership capability across all levels.
D3 – Care that connects: Designing seamless service delivery The full continuum of care — spanning home care, residential services, acute care and end-of-life support — is gaining greater attention as more Australians choose to age in place. To meet evolving consumer expectations, aged care providers must explore diverse service models that offer flexibility and integration across settings. Ongoing quality improvement at every stage of the care journey is essential. In rural and remote areas, providers often extend beyond traditional aged care, presenting unique opportunities to deliver primary health and acute care within the community.
D4 – Care for every culture: Embedding diversity and inclusion Australia’s aged care system must meet the needs of a richly diverse population — not only in terms of culture and language, but also identity, history and lived experience. True inclusivity means delivering care that is culturally safe, person-centred and respectful of each individual’s background and values. This includes in-language support, opportunities for cultural expression and ensuring First Nations elders can remain connected to community and Country. Older people who identify as LGBTQI+ also have unique needs shaped by a lifetime of experiences. As aged care providers strive to deliver high-quality, rights-based care, how can they better support all forms of diversity?
D5- Strategic spotlight on retirement living and seniors housing As the aged care and seniors living sector evolves, understanding where demand is emerging is critical to confident capital investment. By aligning investment with consumer expectations and service requirements, providers can create environments that are both sustainable and responsive to the people they serve.
D6- From insight to impact: Leveraging data in aged care Strong decisions start with strong evidence. This stream will focus on the power of data and benchmarking to drive quality, efficiency, and accountability in aged care. It will explore how organisations can leverage data insights to measure performance, compare against sector standards, and identify opportunities for improvement.
12.45pm	Lunch
2pm	Social care: Our shared future	Joseph Musgrave, CEO, Home and Community Care Ireland
3pm	Closing keynote	Layne Beachley
3.45pm	Conference reflections	Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
3.55pm	Conference close	Virginia Trioli, Master of Ceremonies
2pm-3pm	Strategic spotlight on retirement living and seniors housing
6.30pm	Conference dinner

Please note that the conference program is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers without prior notice. We reserve the right to alter speakers, session times and topics as necessary.