ALP FOLLOWING ONE NATION ON PROTECTING SENIORS

Queensland One Nation leader Steve Dickson MP says it’s ironic that on the day he hosts a Retirement Villages Act forum in Buderim to drive change to the current laws; the ALP announces it will finally do something about the Retirement Villages Act.

The Member for Buderim said the ALP and LNP had both been dragging their heels on this issue for the last couple of years.

“I have had a constant stream of residents visiting my office with concerns about the Act, and over 200 residents attended my forum today to voice their concerns.

“The ALP has clearly sniffed this Act as an election issue and is now trying to make it look as if it is doing something. The question is can they can get a comprehensive review of the Act through Parliament before the Premier goes to an election?

“If not, the announcement today is a sham”, Mr Dickson said.

“Clearly One Nation’s main priority is the appointment of an Ombudsman to oversee the Act and make sure people are not being unfairly treated by the retirement village owners.

“We also need fairer, clearer contracts, and exit fee arrangements need to be clearly explained to buyers before they invest,” he said.

Mr Dickson said One Nation was delighted that today two of its policies had been adopted by the ALP and LNP. The Retirement Villages Act overhaul by the Government and the new coal-fired power station for North Queensland by the National Party.