Law to end ‘ seniors village rip- off’

THE State Government aims to urgently push new legislation through parliament to better protect seniors living in retirement villages.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Housing Minister Mick de Brenni say overly long, complex and “sneaky” contracts need to be simplified and exit fees need to be fairer.

Ms Palaszczuk has declared the Labor government would introduce legislation quickly to ensure changes could take effect before the end of the year.

The changes would include: simplified, standard contracts; fees and charges declared upfront; a minimum three- week contract evaluation before signing; fairer exit fees; and en- forceable behaviour standards for village operators.

Mr de Brenni said the proposed laws, which came after an 18- month consultation period, would “end the retirement village rip- off”. “This is about arming and empowering ... the seniors of Queensland with the rights and information they need,” he said.