While the Liberals’ short stay levy bill has passed the lower house, it doesn’t take the action Tasmanians need to stop the loss of homes to Airbnb. The Greens will continue to call for an end to the conversion of whole-home rentals to Airbnbs in residential areas.
For the last decade, the Liberals have done nothing while Tasmanian homes have been converted to short stay accommodation. It’s stripped thousands of homes off the private rental market and driven up rents by contributing to record low vacancy rates. It’s made Tasmania’s housing crisis even worse and needs to be addressed.
With the war in the Middle East is driving up the cost of essentials like fuel and food, things are harder than ever for Tasmanian renters. Finding an affordable place to live and managing to pay the rent is becoming impossible for many in the community. Meanwhile, the number of homes being listed as Airbnbs just keeps rising. Things are out of control.
We’re pleased our amendment to support agritourism was passed. But we’re bitterly disappointed an amendment from Kristie Johnston, to ensure funds raised through the short stay levy was committed homelessness services, was defeated by the Liberals with the support of Labor.
The Liberals’ short stay levy isn’t the action Tasmanian renters need. If they really wanted to help Tasmanian renters, the Liberal Government would put a stop to whole-home Airbnbs and phase out listings in residential areas. It’s past time they reined in Airbnb.
