Retirement Village Discussion Paper

On 28 August 2008 Mary tabled her discussion paper for retirement villages.

You will recall, that Mary held discussion forums and sought submissions on the need for a clear legal framework which sets out the rights and obligations of a retirement village residents and operators alike, whilst also improving consumer protection.

Tabling the Paper, Mary said:

Mr Speaker,

As we all know the ACT has a rapidly ageing population, ageing faster
than in other jurisdictions.

The challenges posed by our ageing population are increasingly becoming the focus of economic and social policy, not only for the ACT Government but for Governments at every level.

That is why I am pleased today to be able to formally table this discussion paper, “Retirement Villages in the ACT”. This paper is the result of extensive research and consultation into the retirement village industry, in the ACT, and other jurisdictions across Australia. [read more (pdf)]

Discussion Paper:

The 2006 Census indicates there are almost 66,000 people aged 55 years and over living the in the ACT. It is expected that by 2047 the proportion of people living in the ACT aged 65 years and over will represent 21.5% of the total population. This is a double in the current elderly portion of our population.

As our population ages, it is expected that many people will seek to downsize their current living arrangements. For many in our community, this may mean moving into a retirement village.

The ACT Government continues to support positive ageing and the protection and promote of the well being of the elderly in our community. The ACT Government also seeks to ensure individuals are able to make choices that maximise their independence as they grow older.

Currently, retirement villages operating in the ACT are subject to the Fair Trading Act (ACT) 1992. Under the Act, the Retirement Villages Industry Code of Practice(1999) (referred to from here on as the Code) governs the occupation and operation of retirement villages in the ACT. [Read more (pdf)]