The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Australian Government’s 2025 Budget, arguing that it neglects the housing needs of older Australians.
RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon provided a pointed critique, highlighting the budget’s failure to address age-friendly accommodation and care.
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“This is a budget that focuses on the housing needs of some Australians but forgets about a large cohort of older people and challenges associated with age-friendly accommodation and care,” he said.
The RLC points to a looming demographic shift, noting that the number of Australians aged over 75 is projected to increase by 70 percent by 2040.
“Instead, it’s radio silence on why purpose-built seniors’ housing still hasn’t been included in the Prime Minister’s 1.2 million new homes target and what the government’s response is to the Aged Care Taskforce recommendations,” Daniel said.
Daniel expressed frustration over the government’s lack of communication regarding the Taskforce’s findings, which have been under consideration for five months.
“Non communication signals one of two things: it’s either bad news for consumers or it’s bad news for operators. But until we hear from the government, both parties remain in the dark,” he said.
The RLC underscores the urgency of the issue, warning that the ageing population will exacerbate the need for appropriate and affordable housing.
“The unfortunate reality is that Australians aren’t getting any younger, and every day that passes without a plan to appropriately and affordably house and care for older Australians is a missed opportunity,” Daniel said.
“If this is a pro-housing budget for all Australians, I’d hate to see one that isn’t.”
As a policy recommendation, the RLC urges the Australian government to include units in retirement communities as part of the Housing Accord’s target to build 1.2 million new homes nationwide by 2029.
