Retirement Living Council says Federal Budget is sweet and sour

Retirement Living Council (RLC) and its operator members have welcomed the Federal Budget’s decision to provide rent relief, giving more money for seniors living in retirement villages and land lease communities.   More than 1 million people receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) will receive a 15% increase in their fortnightly payment, up to an extra $31 per fortnight. However, the RLC is unhappy that its members are being made to pay for the 15% increase in workers’ pay and states it will have to be funded by its residents.

“At a time when the cost of living and the cost of doing business is soaring, wage increases funded by residents in retirement communities will be felt hard. “Given pensioner retirees on fixed incomes feel cost-of-living increases disproportionately more than those in the workforce, the RLC maintains its deep concern about this matter and the broader implications for the sustainability of age-friendly communities and residents alike,” the statement said.