Page 1019 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 May 2020
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Although these amendments may be only temporary in nature, it is important that, as with all legislation that comes to this place, we scrutinise them carefully. It is vital that social distancing restrictions are in force, and these amendments assist in removing some of the obstacles in the way of social distancing at retirement villages.
We have all seen the importance of enforcing restrictions during this pandemic, but it may be interesting to see how this is going to work in practice. If a residents committee chooses to authorise a meeting of residents, it must be held using forms of communication other than in person, and it is the responsibility of the operator of the village to ensure that residents have access to the necessary facilities in order for them to participate. This may mean a laptop; it may mean wi-fi, a smartphone or a range of ways to ensure that residents can participate in a virtual or remote meeting.
This is something that many of us here in this place take for granted every day. However, we still face technical issues. Older people often express to us their concerns about accessing technology, especially new technology. We have all had to learn how to use videoconferencing equipment in this place. Sometimes that is easier than at other times.
Whilst there are helpful resources available to seniors, and training and support, I hope that all operators will be very conscientious about providing residents with technology support and advice. While they are social distancing, of course, there is another added challenge to that.
When considering these amendments, I spoke with a number of stakeholders in the area, including the Retirement Village Residents Association, members of some residents committees and some in the industry. While the general consensus was that the amendments are fair and appropriate, one point that was a matter of some discussion was the number of proxy votes a person will be able to hold on behalf of a resident.
The change is a necessary but temporary measure, I agree, but I am concerned about how this may be used. It is important that as many residents’ voices as possible are heard in meetings, especially if residents are unable to attend a meeting in person. Residents are already concerned about the recent change, and a previous change, to the legislation about the number of proxies per participant.
Many of us have loved ones in retirement villages and aged-care facilities. Some retirement villages are co-located with aged-care facilities. In Canberra we have worked hard and well to stop the spread and flatten the curve, but we acknowledge that there is a serious risk to older people in our community. Something that the retirement village industry have raised with me is their interest in understanding more about the process, the implementation of the relaxing of social distancing measures. Their population is generally at high risk, not only from age but because of comorbidities or existing health conditions.
As we have already spoken about, we must all take responsibility ourselves in respect of retirement villages. We must not go and visit our loved ones if we are not well
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