The Property Council of Australia and the Retirement Village Association (RVA) have developed a new retiree lobby group to advocate for housing solutions for Australia's retirement communities.
The Retirement Living Council will act as new division of the Property Council of Australia and builds on the recently announced RAV/Property Council merger.
The lobby group brings together 20 of the country's for-profit and not-for-profit firms with a view to inviting further RAV members.
Property Council of Australia chief operating officer Ken Morrison said the council's aim was to elevate the future of retirement communities to the centre of "the policy radar of every government in Australia".
"This merger gives the industry the political muscle it has been looking for and more benefits for the whole sector," he said.
"With Australia set to have five million people over the age of 65 within 30 years, we need responsive and focused housing options for older people in this country."
Morrison said the council would put a resolution to the annual general meeting at the RVA National Conference in November after further consultation with RVA members.
Morrison said the proposal would benefit the entire industry, from the small-scale operators to large institutions.
RVA chief executive Andrew Giles said the merger would provide a stronger future for the industry and residents. He said the merger married the breadth and experience of the RVA with the Property Council's countrywide advocacy and member services.
