The local tourism industry has slammed the state government’s decision to tax short-term accommodation services such as Airbnb.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a 7.5% levy on short-term rentals as part of raft of measures in a bid to help unlock housing supply.
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Industry Development Manager Jo Birley, said the tax could negatively impact visitor numbers across the Surf Coast.
“An increase in accommodation prices will negatively impact our industry,” she said.
“We’re already experiencing a slump in spend with less people at the moment in a position to spend money on attractions and dining experiences around the region.”
The Premier said the new levy will be paid for by booking booking platforms diverted to a dedicated social housing fund, but Ms. Birley is concerned that cost will be passed down to holiday-makers
“We’d like to see the government explore alternative policies that mitigate the impact of the short-term accommodation market on long-term accommodation,” she said.
“And we don’t feel a tax on consumers will necessarily impact owners listing their homes on the short-term market.”
The housing reform comes as data released by the state government suggests the Victorian population will hit 10.3 million by 2051 – and regional Victoria will be home to more than 2.3 million.
