From the Porter Report December 2011 - WORKING FOR FAIRNESS IN RETIREMENT VILLAGES

Mary with Sinniah Sivapathasingam and Vaitlingam Tharmotharalingam, two members of the University of the Third Age

Recently, Mary tabled the Retirement Villages Bill 2011 ‘in principle.’ The Bill represents the culmination of extensive research and consultation by Mary over the last several years.

“While I am aware that for the most part living in a retirement village is a very positive experience for residents, I believe it is crucial to ensure current and prospective residents are fully aware of their rights and obligations and have mechanisms in place to deal with issues, as they arise, in a just and expedient manner.

“The Bill will also encourage those involved in the industry to continue to invest in Canberra as it will provide them with the certainty they need.

“Currently, we are the only Australian state or territory that does not have legislation to guide the operation of retirement villages,” Mary said.

The Bill covers an extensive range of issues but focuses on key areas of concern that have been identified by residents and operators. These include the provision of information to current and potential residents of retirement villages and the creation of a process to handle retirement village disputes.

“I believe this legislation will prove to be the most effective method of providing Canberrans with appropriate protections when moving into a retirement village, while also providing certainty for the retirement village industry and facilitating its growth.

“I look forward to the Bill receiving the support of all other members of the Assembly when the Bill is debated in 2012 in the detailed stage,” Mary concluded.