Retirement Living Council’s message to Tasmanian Govt over Retirement Villages Act review

Public and stakeholder consultation has begun on the state’s Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2023.

The Bill will amend the Retirement Villages Act 2004 to further regulate when operators of retirement villages may increase recurrent charges, and impose special levies.

For recurrent fee increases above CPI, it is proposed to only permit such increases which are:

• authorised by a special resolution (for example: supported by at least 75% of the residents and tenants); or
• necessary due to increases in rates, taxes or charges payable in respect of the retirement village land, or
• an increase in salaries or wages paid under an award or agreement.

For special levies, they can only be imposed if:

• the levy is required to cover costs due to new laws or pursuant to an order of the court; or
• the imposition of the levy is authorised by a special resolution (for example, supported by at least 75% of the residents and tenants); or
• the contract or village rules specifically make the residents responsible for a special levy for that particular purpose.

Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon (pictured) said the retirement living industry is supportive of greater clarity and certainty for residents while also considering impacts on operators.

“At a time when Tasmania is addressing and grappling with housing supply constraints, we need legislation that balances resident and operator considerations to ensure industry continues to provide meaningful housing solutions,” Daniel said.

“A viable retirement living industry in Tasmania advances the State Government’s capacity to pursue an ambitious ageing, health and wellbeing agenda by improving wellness outcomes for seniors and providing efficiencies that can be reinvested in services and infrastructure.”

The SOURCE: Will retirement living operators unite to create an effective lobby group?