TAS Govt latest to announce amending Retirement Villages Act to strengthen residents’ protections

Tasmanian Attorney-General and Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Elise Archer, today said it will amend the 2004 Act to address concerns regarding significant increases to annual recurrent charges and levies.

“Over recent months, my office and I have met with a number of residents of retirement villages and representative groups, including the newly formed Tasmanian Association of Residents of Retirement Villages,” she said.

“I have listened to these concerns, and we are now in the process of drafting legislation to amend the Act to strengthen protections, bringing Tasmania in line with other states such as Victoria, aimed at providing more robust protections and certainty for residents.“

Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon said he looks forward to working closely with the Tasmanian Government to ensure the right balance is struck between operator viability and consumer comfort.

“The RLC recently met with the newly formed Tasmanian Association of Residents of Retirement Villages and is arranging a meeting with the State Government to discuss reform.”

Last month, the WA Government drafted new legislation including exit entitlements to former residents to be paid within 12 months from when the resident leaves; the SA Government has released 60 proposed changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2016, the QLD Government is reviewing its legislation, and the VIC Government is seeking consultation on its Retirement Villages Amendment Bill.