the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

In particular, tightened regulations around operator codes and rules of conduct, as well as greater transparency in relation to financial management and resident rights, will benefit the consumer. Together, these reforms mark a clear shift toward professionalism and accountability in retirement living.

For operators, the next 18 months will be critical, a time to strengthen governance systems, update documentation and prepare for a more transparent, consumer-driven environment.

New South Wales

New South Wales is leading the rollout with its Retirement Villages Regulation 2025, which came into effect 1 September 2025. The updated framework increases transparency in budgeting, long-term maintenance planning and capital works.

Operators must now provide residents with clearer information on how fees are calculated, how funds are spent and how assets are maintained. The aim is to give residents a stronger voice in how their community is managed and financed. There are also prescribed documents operators must use. These are the resident contract, disclosure statement and enquiry document.

Victoria

In Victoria, the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2025 has been passed but is not yet in force. It must commence by 1 May 2026. The reforms introduce a new rights-based framework that will reshape disclosure, contract terms, fees and dispute processes.

Key features still being finalised include new standard-form contracts, information statements, annual contract check requirements, code of practice for operators and a 10-year capital maintenance plan. Operators are being encouraged to act now by reviewing their contracts, disclosure documents and financial models to prepare for the upcoming changes.

The Department of Government Services is consulting with the sector on new regulations, which are expected to be released for comment before the end of the year. Ageing Australia is a member of the consultation group.

Queensland

Queensland continues to set the benchmark for financial transparency. Its Financial Documents Amendment Regulation 2024 took effect in June 2024 and standardised financial reporting for operators. The model has become the reference point for other jurisdictions, ensuring residents can easily understand where their money goes and how budgets are determined.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2024 has been passed and is expected to commence by the end of 2025. The forthcoming regulations will modernise entry and exit arrangements, strengthen rules of conduct and clarify the information operators must provide to residents.

Western Australia has taken a very considered and consultative approach to its reforms. Taking care to undertake due diligence, the state has taken account of what the eastern states have done, what works and what doesn’t, to implement the most effective, evidence-based changes.

South Australia

South Australia has finalised its reforms under the Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2024, which will begin in February 2026. Supporting regulations and codes of conduct are being developed, with the focus on improving governance, dispute resolution and financial transparency. Ageing Australia has been active throughout the consultation process.

Tasmania

Tasmania has taken a more measured approach. The new Retirement Villages Regulations 2025 largely retain the 2015 framework – a positive outcome for the sector by providing stability for residents and operators. The only change requires operators to provide an insurance certificate of currency before a residence contract is signed, effective 22 October 2025.