The Property Council of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to provide $3 million in funding to create a telephone support service for people looking for retirement living options.
The pilot project would run for 12 months with 10 specialist advisers to provide callers with help on pensions, tax and financial issues – just like the Government’s MyAgedCare hotline and website.
This would run alongside an awareness campaign coordinated by the Property Council and peak seniors’ bodies including retirement village resident associations.
We think it’s a good initiative. Our sister site villages.com.au has just wrapped up their National Retirement Village Resident survey for 2018 and one of the main issues to be voiced by residents was confusion over contracts and fees.
Both the Federal and State Governments are already working to put in place more legislation to make sure both operators and potential residents know their rights and obligations.
But more support for retirees researching their downsizing options is a welcome idea – let’s hope it’s one the Government will back too.
