Minister for Building, Innovation and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong has praised the retirement living sector as “vital” to New South Wales' housing future, telling industry leaders the government is committed to supporting innovation, transparency and trust across the state's villages.

Speaking at the NSW Retirement Living Forum on Wednesday 5 November, Mr Chanthivong said retirement communities were “crucial in the way we support older Australians as they move on to the next phase of their lives”.

“We want people to be able to continue to live independently in their communities if that is their preference – and to find housing options that enable them to do so,” he said.

Mr Chanthivong noted that New South Wales is home to more than 640 registered retirement villages housing over 55,000 residents, describing the sector as an “essential part of the housing landscape” as the population ages.

“We know that the planning system must evolve to meet the changing demographics of our state,” he said.

“We welcome the contributions of retirement village operators in shaping that future, particularly bringing innovative housing models to the market.”

He said the government's new Retirement Villages Regulation 2025, which took effect on 1 September, modernises the state's framework by improving asset-management planning, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening compliance to prevent elder abuse.

Fresh Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show NSW has officially tipped over the age of 40, while Retirement Living Council (RLC) research forecasts the number of people aged over 75 will almost double by 2040 – from 670,000 to nearly 1.2 million.

The surge will place unprecedented pressure on housing supply, hospitals and aged-care beds, underscoring the urgent need for more age-friendly communities.

With those statistics as a backdrop, Mr Chanthivong credited strong collaboration between the Property Council, Retirement Living Council, the Retirement Village Residents Association, and government agencies for creating a “balanced, effective and future-focused” regulatory system.

Looking ahead, the Minister emphasised the need to expand housing choice and affordability for older people, backed by $8.4 million in new funding for inspectors, mediators and dispute-resolution initiatives to quickly address issues.

“We must always strive to strengthen public trust,” he said.

“This is what high standards look like – and we should never be shy in promoting the good. NSW should be the model for the country.”

He also commended the industry's high compliance rates and proactive leadership.

“Operators are doing a fantastic job, and I really want to commend them,” he said.

“Strong compliance suits everyone – residents, operators and government alike.”

Mr Chanthivong closed by reaffirming the government's commitment to partnership with operators, residents and advocates.

“Only together – as collaborators – can we build a better future for retirement living… one community and one home at a time.”

RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon – at the NSW Retirement Living Forum – described Minister Chanthivong's message as “spot on”.

“Retirement living isn't just part of the housing conversation, it's part of the housing solution,” Mr Gannon said.

“As our population ages, NSW can lead the nation in showing how smart planning, consumer confidence and strong partnerships can deliver better homes, healthier lives and less pressure on hospitals and aged care.

“What we heard at the forum was a clear endorsement of partnership – government and industry working side-by-side to deliver housing that supports independence, dignity and choice.

“That trust between residents, operators and policymakers is what will future-proof this crucial sector.”