Government’s shifting sands of sharing economy

THE State Government appears to be distancing itself from statements it was considering extending the non-permit period for Airbnb and Stayz properties from 42 to 100 nights per year.

Airbnb host Merrydith Callegari, of Lenah Valley, was looking forward to the announcement of an extension to the number of nights Airbnb hosts can operate but that announcement never came. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE State Government appears to be distancing itself from earlier statements that it was considering extending the non-permit period for Airbnb and Stayz properties from 42 to 100 nights a year.

The Mercury yesterday reported the government was considering plans to more than double the number of nights without a permit.

Premier Will Hodgman speaks at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia event at Wrest Point. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

MORE: BIG JUMP IN NIGHTS FOR AIRBNB HOMES

Premier Will Hodgman was expected to announce the government’s position at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia event in Hobart yesterday.

Asked to clarify on Sunday what the government’s position was on the matter, a text message from the Premier’s media office stated: “Basically, we’re going to move the airbnb threshold from 42 days up to over 100 days.”

A subsequent conversation with the media office confirmed this was the government’s position.

But Mr Hodgman yesterday would not be drawn on extending the current 42-day permit period during his speech to the conference.

“We are not contemplating anything other than a good discussion and consultation and engagement, and 42 days is a good starting point,” Mr Hodgman said.

Earlier in the day, Airbnb hosts had welcomed the government’s anticipated shift.

“Tassie is a pretty special place and I think we should make it available to everyone — not just people who can afford hotels,’’ Lenah Valley Airbnb host Merrydith Callegari said.

CHANGING TUNE SUNDAY: Basically, we’re going to move the Airbnb threshold from 42 days up to over 100 days – STATE GOVERNMENT MEDIA UNIT YESTERDAY: We are not contemplating anything other than a good discussion and consultation ... 42 days is a good starting point – PREMIER WILL HODGMAN

Airbnb’s country manager Sam McDonagh said any move towards an extension would be a step in the right direction and showed the government “was serious about cutting red tape and getting on with fair rules that allow for home sharing”.

“We look forward to working through the details on this with the Premier ... and we strongly believe primary residences should have no caps or limits at all.”

But the tourism industry last night said the government had got it right with the initial 42-night cap.

“It allows mum and dad Tasmanians who want to rent out their shack over Easter or their granny flat over the busy visitor season to do so legitimately and without the need to acquire a permit,’’ Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said.

“Any more than 42 nights really does mean you’re competing in the commercial accommodation market.”

Originally published as Government’s shifting sands of sharing economy