A packed community forum at Burpengary yesterday heard about Palaszczuk Labor Government’s reforms to the Home Parks and Retirement Villages Acts.

Minister for Housing Mick de Brenni addressed around 115 local residents on how the Building Better Futures Bill delivers better consumer rights for older Queenslanders.

“It was a very positive forum and everyone seemed impressed with the sheer range of protections for older Queenslanders that are being delivered by this new Bill,” said forum organiser Chris Whiting MP.

“The news that the reforms will get rid of electricity meter reading fees for home parks was very well received.

“Excessive site rental fees in home parks will also be curbed as part of the reforms, and the Palaszczuk Government will introduce a dispute resolution procedure as well.

“Retirement village residents spoke at length at problems with exit fees and reinstatement costs.

“The Building Better Futures Bill will ensure exit fees are paid on time and reinstatement costs are applied fairly.

“There will be better pre-contractual disclosure processes and the introduction of new behaviour standards in home parks and retirement villages.

“I’ve worked many years on getting these consumer protections for village residents and I am so proud to be have been part of a government that has brought them in,” said Chris Whiting.

Government MPs Mark Ryan, Shane King & Steven Miles were also in attendance to hear the views of locals.

“This Bill will introduce a regime of fairness to the retirement living sector in Queensland, making Queensland the national leader in consumer protection for older Australians,” said Minister de Brenni when he introduced the Bill into Parliament last week.