• Final consultation paper open for comment
• Includes proposals for a new process to manage changes to a retirement village
• Consultation closes on 21 July 2021

Consumer Protection has released the final consultation paper in Stage Two of its retirement villages’ legislation reform process in Western Australia, and all interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback.

The Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement 4 (CRIS 4) includes proposals for a new process to manage changes to a village, improving protections for consumers in ‘off the plan’ sales and leases as well as looking at options to improve dispute resolution processes.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said the consultation is also seeking feedback on emerging issues relating to strata title retirement villages, building defects, insurance and the provision of home care services in retirement villages.

“The most significant proposed legislative reforms in this paper aim to provide a better process to manage significant changes that might be required to a village,” Mr Newcombe said.

“The intention is to ensure the proposed changes are suitable for new and emerging village models while maintaining the necessary protections for residents.”

This final paper is an important part of a broader consultation process on implementing recommendations made in the Statutory Review of Retirement Villages Legislation Final Report (2010) and in considering other issues that have arisen since that time.

Previous papers have canvassed reforms in a wide range of areas such as improving consumer understanding of the retirement village product and what residents pay; village refurbishment and capital works; and the payment of resident exit entitlements.

“Retirement villages are an important part of the housing options available to older Western Australians and it is vital that people have their say about these proposed reforms,” the Commissioner said.

“Consumer Protection also welcomes comment on any of the issues raised in previous papers in light of the information in this final paper, and any additional matters that respondents think should be considered.”

To ensure the community is provided with the greatest opportunity to provide feedback on  the proposed reforms before recommendations are made to State Government, Consumer Protection will also be receiving submissions by telephone to 1300 30 40 54.

Comments close on 21 July 2021. View the consultation paper and get further information on the Consumer Protection website. Enquiries can be made by email to consultations@dmirs.wa.gov.au.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au