Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Act 2024, live from 1 November 2025, includes a Statement of Rights outlining the rights that older people will have when accessing aged care services. The rights will help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system. 

The Statement of Rights include the right for every individual to have: 

• independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice 
• equitable access 
• quality and safe funded aged care services 
• respect for privacy and information 
• person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal 
• advocates, significant persons and social connections. 

Melville Cares already upholds the highest standards of care and will ensure that our actions are consistent with the Statement of Rights. This includes ensuring that our services are delivered by aged care workers who have the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience. 

Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct for Aged Care and Melville Cares Code of Conduct identify the values we hold as fundamental in our work and describe how these values translate into action.

We are all responsible for our conduct in the workplace. We aim to encourage each other to uphold the principles and responsibilities outlined in our Code of Conduct and ensure that our behaviour is above reproach and able to withstand public scrutiny. Our clients, their families, carers and other users of Melville Cares services are foremost in our decisions and actions.

Who does the Code apply to?

The Melville Cares Code of Conduct applies to all Melville Cares personnel, inclusive of all employee categories, board directors, volunteers and contractors.

Responsibilities under the Code

Employees of Melville Cares are responsible for ensuring that our behaviour reflects the standards of conduct embodied in the Code.

Management has a special responsibility to support employees in achieving these goals, by leading by example and assisting employees to understand the Code. Management also has a duty to investigate and act accordingly where allegations of breaches of the Code of Conduct are raised.

The standards of conduct and integrity of Melville Cares employees must comply with and are expressed in the following principles.

Our Values

Compassion 

• We listen to understand
• We want to banish loneliness
• We start with the positives
• We recognise loss has an impact
• We look for your solutions
• We know it can be hard and you may
• Need more time
• We value our team and give praise and
• feedback
• We recognise everyone can have a bad day

Accountability and Discipline 

• We own our actions
• We are available
• We raise opportunities and issues
• We use our time wisely
• We set clear deadlines
• We don’t gossip
• We use good information to make decisions
• We have clear plans and targets
• We have fun with purpose
• We get things done
• We don’t overcook or procrastinate

Empowerment 

• We believe choice is everyone’s right
• We are confident to make decisions
• We provide good information and timely advice
• We give and receive feedback
• We feel free to speak up
• We listen to understand, then talk
• We promote the rights of others
• We know our responsibilities
• We don’t sit on the fence
• We provide easy to read information
• We are available

Trust 

• We do what we say
• We turn up on time
• We deliver on our commitments
• We don’t overpromise
• We are honest
• We show respect
• We give the benefit of the doubt
• We are open to new ideas
• We are brave
• We share our opinions and listen to others
• We ask for help

What happens if there is a breach of the Code?

The Code is not intended to be, and must not be, used to intimidate or threaten employees. It is the responsibility of each employee to disclose suspected improper, unethical or unlawful behaviour.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who attempts to intimidate, coerce or take reprisal against an employee who has disclosed suspected improper, unlawful or unethical behaviour.

Managers must ensure their decisions are fair, transparent and consistent in response to an allegation of a breach of the Code and the action to be taken. In determining the action to be taken, the nature and seriousness of the breach will be considered.

All allegations of a breach of the Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct will be referred in the first instance to management. Consequences of a breach include:

• Informal or formal counselling
• Performance management processes
• Disciplinary action under “Grievance Procedures” guidelines
• Referral to the police (in cases of suspected criminal offence)

Related Standards and Policies

Aged Care Act 2024

Melville Cares Policies

• Compliments and Complaints
• Bullying and Harassment
• Whistle-blower
• Gifts and Benefits
• Workplace Grievances
• Privacy and Data Handling
• Human Resources
• Workplace Health and Safety