RLC welcome Treasury's retirement discussion paper but urges them to "get serious"

It is often said a government discussion paper is merely an exercise in stalling.

Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon is probably aware. He welcomed the release of Superannuation in retirement (60 days left to make a submission) but said the sector already has the answers with its key recommendations in its report, Better Housing for Better Health.

“As they investigate the best ways to support Australians through their retirement, the Government should increase the asset free threshold for aged pensioners, allow retirement village residents to access the Home Equity Access Scheme, and continue to reform Commonwealth Rent Assistance,” Daniel said.

“We now know that 1.4 million people aged over 75 around the country are living in oversized homes, which can lead to more frequent interaction with GPs and hospitals. 

“Encouraging and facilitating more seniors into retirement communities carries the added benefit of freeing up traditional housing stock for singles, couples and growing families, while delaying entry into aged care facilities which saves the Commonwealth $945 million every year.

“Until governments get serious about some of these important policy reforms that would unlock and facilitate more supply, our housing problems will continue to get worse.”.

Federal Government has released its $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator, with NSW receiving $610 million for about 1,500 homes. Not one will be in an over 55's retirement facility.