Fair Trading Minister criticises IOOF

NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Mr John Aquilina, has criticised the behaviour of IOOF in telling residents of its Ettalong Homes Centre that it was no longer a retirement village.

The residents had received a letter from management saying the centre no longer met the definition of a retirement village.

The management, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, claimed that the rights and protection offered to the residents under the Retirement Villages Act no longer applied.

"I am informed that is just not correct," Mr Aquilina said.

"I find it hard to believe that an organisation that was founded to help the sick and the elderly is acting in this way," Mr Aquiiina said.

"Under the Act, if there is just one resident who is a genuine retiree and has signed a contract as outlined in the Retirement Villages Act, then the provisions of the Act apply to that village or centre.

"Fair Trading representatives will visit the owners and explain to them their obligations under the Act.

"The representatives will also visit the residents to reassure them of their rights," Mr Aquilina said.

Under the Act, residents can not be evicted without 12 months notice and unless alternative accommodation can be found.

IOOF has been trying to sell the Ettalong centre.

Last year, Gosford Council rejected a development application to build three bedroom units on the site.

"The actions of IOOF have caused a lot of fear and uncertainty among the residents.

"The Carr Labor Government brought in the Retirement Village Act in 1999 precisely to protect the rights of people in this situation," said Mr Aquilina

Press release, March 7