Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Retirement Villages get their Act together |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 14 2006 |
| Media Releases >> |
Southport retirement village residents and their families will benefit from vastly enhanced consumer rights and protections introduced by the Beattie Government this week.
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2006 was built on a foundation of comprehensive consultation with industry stakeholders.
"The Beattie Government is committed to protecting vulnerable Queenslanders and there is no group more deserving than our retirees," Mr Lawlor said.
"We are giving Southport retirement village residents a significant level of support in their dealings with operators, much greater involvement in budget-setting and other major decisions and better access to dispute resolution procedures.
"The Bill represents big gains in terms of resident rights and much greater clarity and certainty for operators."
Key provisions of the Bill:
•expressly recognises the protection of residents as a primary objective;
•clarifies resident voting rights;
•gives residents more say in village budget-setting;
•ensures dispute resolution is more accessible by allowing residents to appoint an advocate in disputes heard by Commercial and Consumer Tribunal; and
•caps resident liability for exit fees and charges.
Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech said many of the gains were a direct result of workshops and broad consultation she had directed be held last year with residents, operators and other stakeholders.
"The Bill provides a good balance between protecting resident rights and ensuring the continued viability of a rapidly-expanding industry," Mrs Keech said.
"Thousands of older Queenslanders lived in more than 250 retirement villages across the state.
"Residents are often retirees on a fixed income and this Bill will provide clearer, more detailed information on costs and their rights," she said.
"They will have better knowledge of ongoing expenses and what they may be required to pay out and receive when they vacate the village.
"The new legislation is workable, fair and clearly outlines the rights of residents and owners."
ENDS
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:00 PM
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