Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Reforms recommended for retirement housing sector

Victorian State Government Committee Media Release -

Reforms recommended for retirement housing sector A low cost, accessible and binding dispute resolution process is one of the key recommendations in a parliamentary report tabled today on the retirement housing sector in Victoria.

The Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee has made 15 recommendations, aimed at both government and the sector itself, following its 12-month investigation.

“We have a big growth in demand for retirement housing, and residents have changing expectations about what retirement living should look like. This creates a range of challenges for government and industry,” said Committee Chair Margaret Fitzherbert.

It was also clear from evidence that the dispute resolution process needs to be improved.

“Too often residents face a long and expensive road to resolve disputes, at a time in their lives when this is especially difficult,” Ms Fitzherbert said.

“The current processes aren’t up to scratch, we need a dispute resolution process with teeth. This can be done either by expanding the jurisdiction of an existing Ombudsman or through a new Ombudsman.

“It is now up to the Victorian Government to ensure that all residents of retirement housing can access firm, fair and affordable justice.”

Other recommendations made by the Committee include: 

  • Improving management standards in the sector and the quality of legal advice currently available to retirees 

  • A review of the Retirement Villages Act 1986 to determine the effectiveness of the Act 

  • Adjusting how deferred management fees are calculated 

  • Consideration of Retirement Housing Zones in Victoria.


The report is available from the Committee’s website. http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/SCLSI/Retirement_Housing/Report/LSIC_58-06_Text_WEB.pdf

Issued: 7 March 2017

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Report - Call for action on Retirement Housing

CALL FOR ACTION ON RETIREMENT HOUSING REPORT: Tuesday 7th March 1.15pm, steps of Parliament House

If you live in a retirement village, residential park or independent living unit and want improvements in contracts, fees, financial accountability of operators, repairs and maintenance and how disputes are resolved, the following organisations want to see you on the steps of Parliament House at 1:15pm today (Tuesday 7thMarch).

On Tuesday 7th March (today) the Legal and Social Issues Committee will table their report on the Retirement Housing Sector Inquiry to Parliament. Join COTA Victoria, RRVV (Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria), CALC (Consumer Action Law Centre) and HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group) on the steps of Parliament House at between 1:15pm and 1:45pm and call for Government action on the Housing Sector Inquiry report and recommendations.

The above organisations are looking for people who are willing to talk to the media about their own experiences.

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