Page 3277 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 August 2012
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I submit that this bill achieves a high level of consumer protection for residents with a minimal cost impact for operators. I understand that the requirements in this bill, including rules relating to the sound management of retirement villages, are already largely being complied with by operators. I also understand that a common concern relating to the existing code is that it does not provide an adequate framework within which village management can operate; whereas this bill provides the detail to guide village management to operate effectively. It also provides those who have established villages here who also operate in New South Wales with familiar ground to allow them to continue to invest here.
I would like to thank all those who have been in any way involved in getting to this point and helping with the consultation and advice with regard to this bill. I thank them very much. I know that they are very glad, as am I, to be at this point. As I said, the bill before us tonight will make a significant difference to many residents and, of course, to the industry. It will give them certainty, as was said today in the media release by the retirement village industry. Again, I thank everybody for their assistance and I thank members for their contributions to the debate on this important bill.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (9.45): I move amendment No 1 circulated in my name [see schedule 1 at page 3325].
Amendment No 1 is about the commencement; it would see the bill commence on 1 March 2013. This is for a couple of reasons. As I said in my earlier speech, we had a process of a couple of years where there was a bill that was consulted on and it was roundly rejected. Ms Porter is very sensitive to the criticisms about this particular bill, but these criticisms are not mine. They are criticisms coming from government departments, ACT government departments. They are criticisms coming from her own ministers and from the industry. I am really pleased that, through FOI, we were able to get that out there so that it was clear just how flawed that bill was.
Ms Porter has had to then go and rush through another piece of legislation and adopt the New South Wales legislation. I think in the context of that rushed legislation it is appropriate that we allow just a little bit of time before it commences so that we can smooth out any problems and so any necessary regulations can be made. I think that would be a good process. It will potentially save us from any unintended consequences of having rushed the second iteration of this bill through.
Ms Porter, in her sensitivity in responding to my criticisms, seemed to be indicating that we were voting against it. Of course, we have not voted against it; we have voted
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