Retirement Villages Review
Issue Date: - Friday, 21 August 2009
Consumer Protection has released a draft report into a review of the laws covering retirement villages.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, said the 170 page draft report was the result of extensive research, widespread community consultation and a thorough review of existing legislation.
“During the preparation of the report nearly 300 submissions were received from various interest groups, and more than 900 people attended a series of large public meetings.
Across Western Australia the size and style of retirement village accommodation varies enormously, ranging from bed-sitter apartments to spacious brick and tile villas. Some schemes offer tenure through license or lease arrangements while others allow residents the right to purchase the title.
Many retirement villages also have common areas such as clubhouses and a range of other facilities available for the enjoyment of residents.
Ms Driscoll said the draft report recommends more than eighty changes to existing laws. These changes will bring the legislation up to date and help ensure retirement village residents are appropriately protected by the law.
The draft report is available from the Department of Commerce Consumer Protection website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection.
The government aims to amend the laws covering Retirement Villages in 2010.
END OF RELEASE
(Consumer Protection is a division of the Department of Commerce)
Media Contact: Rick Powell 9282 0961 or 0412-405 936