Premier Chris Minns leaves door open on new Airbnb tax in NSW

Following Victoria’s new tax on Airbnb-type accommodation, NSW’s Premier has had his say on the industry which he said had an “extreme” impact on NSW renters. Read the latest.

Premier Chris Minns has left the door open to a new tax on Airbnb and other short-term rental accommodation, following Victoria’s decision to whack a 7.5 per cent fee on the sector.

The Premier on Thursday backed up his housing Minister Rose Jackson, who said on Wednesday “all options are on the table when it comes to confronting the housing crisis”.

“The NSW Government will be reviewing short term rental accommodation regulations at the end of the year,” she said.

The NSW Government is planning an overhaul of regulations to be conducted by the end of the year, which will include a review of short term rental accommodation regulations.

NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

The Premier on Thursday reinforced the minister’s sentiments, saying he wouldn’t rule the tax out.

“We‘re reviewing short term leasing in NSW … but we’re open to potential changes … short term leasing and its effect on the community particularly for renters in NSW has been pretty extreme, particularly in regional communities,” he said.

Mr Minns – who promised there’d be no new taxes if he was elected to government – watered down claims the move was the equivalent of a new tax, saying no decision had been made yet.

A tax on Airbnb and other short term rentals is designed to encourage owners to put their properties on the long-term rental market to increase supply and ease the housing crisis.

Announcing his new tax on Wednesday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the money raised would go towards increasing rental supply.