It speaks volumes of where the priorities lie for the organisations’ purported to represent people aged over 50 in Australia and the consumer advocacy group.
COTA, National Seniors and Choice have backed the ABC 7.30 broadcasts “Retirement ‘Rip-Off'” and “Retirement Living ‘Sheer hell’”, and related ABC Radio and online and social media posts.
COTA Australia’s media release was headed: “COTA Australia demands urgent reform of retirement village sector”.
“The current system is failing older people and their families,” CEO Patrica Sparrow said.
“We commend (Financial Services) Minister (Stephen) Jones for prioritising this critical issue that impacts many older Australians.
“We need strong, independent oversight to ensure the rights and financial wellbeing of older Australians are protected.
"We need truly independent oversight with real teeth – including mandatory participation, financial penalties for non-compliance, and regular audits by an independent body."
The Weekly SOURCE fact-checked the Retirement Rip-Off broadcast and the Opinion article stated the broadcast failed to mention pivotal facts.
National Seniors' headline was "Seniors deserve better housing options" and asked readers to share their stories of a negative experience living in a retirement village.
Choice headlined its story "Getting stuck in the retirement village trap" and stated: "The formulas in the contracts that determine this figure are rarely understood by residents."
With 250,000 people living in retirement villages across the nation, it hardly appears that the issues raised by the ABC and echoed by COTA Australia, National Seniors and Choice are widespread.
Interestingly, Pat Sparrow was previously CEO of the peak body ACSA which had a significant number of members that operate retirement villages under loan license contracts, which she advocated, and village industry veteran and substantial investor in villages, Jim Hazel, is a COTA Australia board member.
All residents are told to seek legal and financial advice and are told what happens to their money.
