Question - Independent Living Units levying of rates
Question without notice, Thursday 5 May 2022
Ms ARMITAGE question to DEPUTY LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms PALMER
[2.44 p.m.]
Mr President, regarding the levying of rates from residents of independent living units such as those in retirement villages, according to the Premier's Local Government Council group minutes from 16 December 2020, it is indicated the Government's position is that any new provisions relating to the rating of applicable units will be effective from 1 July 2023.
Can the Deputy Leader please advise:
(1) Does the Government have any active plans to enable the rating of independent living units?
(2) When can we expect any enabling legislation to be tabled in parliament?
(3) What public consultation has taken place regarding such policies?
I note I have further questions on the Notice Paper, which may or may not be relevant once I get the answers.
ANSWER
Mr President, I thank the member for Launceston for her question. The Government is considering a request by local government to amend the Local Government Act 1993 to allow councils to raise rates from land owned and occupied by not-for-profit independent living unit operators. As outlined in the minutes of the Premier's Local Government Council meeting of December 2021 it is a condition of government that any proposed approach to rating of ILUs would include a grandfathering clause to not impact existing residents.
A reference group has been previously established to consider this issue prior to the Government consulting more broadly with the Tasmanian community. The membership of this reference group includes the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Tasmanian Council of Social Services, Aged and Community Services Australia, Leading Age Services Australia, two representatives of operators and a residents' group representative.
This group met late last year, where there was broad discussion regarding the issues surrounding the rating of ILUs. There has been additional work undertaken since this time to understand the scope of the issue and to work through potential solutions. I expect there will be further consultation with the reference group and public consultation on this issue in coming months. I recognise there is significant interest in the issue and I will ensure the office keeps the member for Launceston and all members up to date with any information regarding this work.
Ms ARMITAGE question to DEPUTY LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms PALMER
[2.46 p.m.]
Mr President, is the Deputy Leader able to say, because I am sure I am going to be asked, who are the two representatives from the retirement villages? You mentioned there were two representatives, so I am wondering if you are able to say which groups are represented?
ANSWER
Mr President, I thank the member for Launceston for her question. Can I ask the member to put that in writing? I will certainly do my best to get an answer for you.