the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

Throughout this period of change, Ageing Australia has worked constructively with governments to help strike the balance of strengthening protections for residents while maintaining an environment that enables operators to continue investing in high-quality retirement living communities.

The significance of these reforms is also reflected in the questions and concerns being raised by members of Ageing Australia – importantly, ensuring the reforms remain focused on both resident outcomes and operational realities.

Recent member enquiries have centred on retirement village regulation, pricing, contracts and compliance. Members have sought guidance on issues ranging from emergency response obligations and new anti-money laundering requirements to retirement village documentation, asset management planning, lease arrangements, development approvals and planning processes and building insurance.

This period of reform comes at a time when community expectations around ageing are also evolving. Findings from the Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report 2026 reveal that while 56 per cent of Australians would prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible, 30 per cent would consider moving to a retirement village or other seniors housing option if they required additional support. At the same time, half of Australians aged 50 and over indicated an interest in downsizing, although affordability, moving costs and a shortage of suitable age-friendly housing continue to present barriers.

Retirement living and seniors housing will continue to play an important part of Australia’s ageing future, forming a key part of the continuum of housing and care options for older Australians. The sector is already seeing new and innovative models emerge through planning, design and construction, creating communities that better reflect older Australians expectations.

State and territory updates

Below provides a snapshot of some of the reforms the team has worked through over the past few months.

Victoria

Victoria’s new retirement villages legislation commenced on 1 May 2026. Ageing Australia continued to advocate for practical transition arrangements and remains actively involved in the government’s transitional stakeholder group. Through ongoing engagement, Ageing Australia has ensured operators’ concerns remain visible.

Western Australia

Western Australia has also been progressing significant retirement village reforms. Ageing Australia maintained close engagement with government throughout the process. Much of the feedback has been reflected in instructions provided to the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office and is expected to be incorporated into the next draft regulations due for release in August 2026. The Department also accepted most of Ageing Australia’s recommendations on transitional arrangements, with some requirements commencing July 2028 to support a practical implementation process.

South Australia

In South Australia, Ageing Australia contributed to the review of revised Codes of Conduct under the draft Retirement Villages Amendment Regulations 2025. The updated draft regulations demonstrated that government had listened to feedback, resulting in a more balanced and workable framework for operators. Mandatory online training of the Codes of Conduct will commence December 2026.

Tasmania

Ageing Australia recently provided a submission to Tasmania’s review of the Residential Tenancy Act, identifying several reforms that could have indirect implications for retirement villages and seniors housing.

On a national level, expanded AML/CTF requirements took effect from 1 July 2026 impacting retirement living. Ageing Australia received numerous member enquiries about whether the new obligations apply to their business models and what compliance steps may be required. In response, we provided information, facilitated discussions and directed members to relevant resources, while encouraging operators to seek independent legal advice.