Seniors support initiative extended

An initiative to help Queensland seniors with new consumer protections has been extended by the Palaszczuk Government.

As the state celebrates Seniors Week, Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the Right Where You Live program will continue providing support through 2020.

“As we implement the Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Act 2017, it is important there are supports in place for residents of retirement villages and people who own manufactured homes,” he said.

“These supports help seniors to understand and access the new consumer protections, including payment of exit entitlements, behavioural standards and dispute resolution.

“Right Where You Live has already provided more than 160 information sessions to more than 8,000 seniors across Queensland.

“There is no greater power than knowledge and that’s why, as we strengthen consumer protections for older Queenslanders, this initiative is so important.”

Under the extension, Associated Residential Parks Queensland (ARPQ) and the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV) will provide support services until 31 December 2020.

“Since the start of Right Where You Live, the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $1 million to ensure our seniors have the advocacy and support they need,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The rules have been made clearer and more robust to better protect retirement village residents and manufactured home owners.

“There’s a range of fact sheets available online and more community information sessions will be held.”

For more information on how the new laws affect you, visit rightwhereyoulive.org.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Brew – 0468 839 551