Vica Bayley MP, Greens Spokesperson for Housing
New Tasmania’s State of Housing Dashboard indicators released by TasCOSS and LGAT shows the rapid growth of short stay accommodation is making things worse for Tasmanian renters. It’s beyond time the Liberals stopped sitting on their hands and reined in the short stay industry.
There are 3,844 whole homes currently listed as short stay accommodation, with a 24% growth in non-primary residence properties being used as short stays between 2019 and 2024. Things are particularly bad in Greater Nipaluna/Hobart, where 3.6% of homes are short stays.
The Liberals have sat on their hands for the last decade as short stay accommodation has increased across Tasmania, reducing the number of homes available to Tasmanians and driving up rents. It’s made finding an affordable place to live in this state really challenging for renters.
Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Spokesperson for Planning
Years of inaction on short stay accommodation is intensifying the housing crisis. Almost 4000 homes have been taken out of the rental market, driving up rents for Tasmanians struggling to find a home.
The Liberals’ 5% levy on short stay accommodation does nothing to rein in the industry, which is what Tasmanian renters need. If the government really wanted to help Tasmanian renters, they’d be helping councils to regulate short stay and directing levy funds to building more social and affordable housing.
It’s beyond time the Liberals reined in the short stay industry. It is out of control.
The Greens have long called for better regulation and for councils in areas most affected to have the capacity to adjust their planning rules to prioritise homes for Tasmanians who need them.
We echo calls from TasCOSS and LGAT for the Liberals to work with local governments to develop land use planning controls that can be applied locally.
Right now, councils aren’t being given the tools to prevent the increased listing of whole homes on the short stay market. That’s where the government needs to take responsibility and act.
