Kathryn Greiner AO will be hitting the road this week as part of a state-wide roadshow to meet with residents and their families and discuss how new retirement village reforms will help them.
Ms Greiner led the NSW Government inquiry into the state’s retirement village sector last year, making 17 recommendations to improve a range of issues including marketing, contracts, fees and charges, and dispute resolution including a mandatory Code of Conduct for operators, managers and residents.
Last week the Government introduced legislation to address six of the 17 recommendations – with penalties ranging from $5,500 up to $22,000 for operators who fail to comply.
It’s good news for existing residents and those looking to move into a village – these changes will ensure operators are held to account, while residents will have peace of mind that they can get support if they need it.
New reforms across the country
NSW is not the only state introducing new protections. In Queensland, new legislation is due to be rolled out across retirement villages and land lease communities including mandatory buy backs and village comparison documents.
The Property Council of Australia’s Retirement Living Council, which represents village operators, is also pushing for the appointment of an ombudsman in each state as well as its new voluntary national Code of Conduct to be mandated by each state government.
Watch this space then.
The NSW Roadshow will be hosting talks and information sessions in retirement villages, RSL clubs, and local centres around the state to speak to residents.
If you’d like more information or to request the Ambassador visit a village near you, you can call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
