Short-stay accommodation peak body enraged over new Airbnb, Stayz tax
The Short Term Accommodation Association Australia is urging the Victorian Legislation Council to oppose the state government’s latest tax on Airbnb owners.
Australia’s short-stay accommodation peak body is attempting to put a stop to the Allan government’s proposed Airbnb tax.
The Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA) has launched a petition urging the Victorian Legislative Council to oppose the state government’s Short Stay Levy Bill.
The bill, which was announced by Treasurer Tim Pallas in the 2023 budget and passed last week, revealed the government’s plans to impose a 7.5 per cent tax on property owners who list their homes on platforms like Airbnb or Stayz.
RELATED: New tax on Airbnb, Stayz homeowners welcomed
Young family scores keys to Musk home with famous Airbnb eco retreat
Seven quirky Victorian homes you can stay this summer
It would also give councils the power to ban short-stay accommodation in their jurisdictions if they applied to the government.
The STAAA’s petition raises concerns that the bill “threatens the livelihood of thousands of short-term rental accommodation owners” and could “adversely impact the broader Victorian tourism industry”.
They are requesting the Victoria Legislative Council to oppose the bill, consult the STAAA, and support policies encouraging tourism.
Property management company Bodhi Tree Group managing director Seiko Ma said the levy posed a “direct threat” to the stability of the industry in Victoria.
“The 7.5 per cent tax and additional restrictions would not only increase our operational costs but also diminish our ability to compete effectively with other accommodation types,” Ms Ma said.
“It is vital for the Victorian members of parliament to recognise the potential harm and engage with stakeholders to find a more balanced solution.”
RMIT urban planning expert Dr Liam Davies said while the bill would have “minimal” effect on the state’s rental affordability issues, there would still be benefits.
“Councils may be able to better balance the needs for locals and workers to find suitable housing, and the needs for tourists to be able to visit and holiday,” Dr Davies said.
“Allowing body corporates to ban short-stay rental accommodation may help address tensions where residents feel they are living in a hotel, for example in CBD apartments, by reducing noise and behaviour complaints.”
He added that the new powers for councils could help in areas where there was acute rental pressure like in parts of regional Victoria where tourism impacted workers and lower income households.
But Dr Davies noted that there were up to 50,000 short-stay rental accommodation homes in Victoria — according to the latest census data — and it was unlikely these would all be shifted to long-term rentals.
“So, the effect of the reform will probably be minimal,” he said.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Inside Australia’s spooky $96k mansion
Influencer turns his Melb rental into a home podcast studio
David Guetta spins swank pad for new record
sarah.petty@news.com.au
Originally published as Short-stay accommodation peak body enraged over new Airbnb, Stayz tax
‘Be a man! It’s embarrassing’: Block contestant’s gross sledge
In one of this season’s low points, One constestant ridicules her husband for his distress, calling it “f***ing embarrassing”.
Kanye’s lover’s near $3m Aus hideout amid split rumours
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori is rumoured to return home after their relationship turned rocky. Here’s what we know.
Eddie McGuire’s sister Brigette moving on from Melb pad
Eddie McGuire’s sister, marketing dynamo and former radio host Brigette McGuire is selling her stylish circa-1880s family home in Melbourne’s inner-east that she’s renovated and extended.