A bill giving long-term caravan park residents protection against unfair eviction has passed the Tasmanian Parliament.
The Residential Parks Bill 2026 sets out tenancy rights and responsibilities for residents and operators, establishes fair eviction processes and introduces dispute resolution options.
Consumer Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said the bill strikes the right balance between stronger protections for residents and a clear framework for park operators.
“We have listened and acted to deliver clear rights and stronger protections for long-term residents, alongside fair and transparent rules for park operators,” Barnett said.
“This Bill replaces uncertainty with a dedicated legislative framework for long-term residents.”
Barnett acknowledged the residents of Beauty Point, saying their “long-running fight for greater security and certainty helped deliver these reforms into sharp focus.”
“The Beauty Point residents’ advocacy and willingness to share their experiences have made an important contribution to this reform,” he said.
Barnett said work was already under way to finalise guidance materials and practical measures to support the new framework.
Greens Member for Bass Cecily Rosol also welcomed the bill, saying Tasmania had been the only state without protections for long-stay residents of caravan parks.
“It’s been a completely unfair and deeply distressing situation for residents, who could have their home taken away from them for no reason,” Rosol said.
The Greens said they had been pushing for change for more than a year and a half.
Last year, the party tabled a petition signed by nearly 3,000 people calling on the Liberals to improve rights for long-term residents of tourist parks.
The Greens secured amendments requiring bonds to be held by the Rental Deposit Authority.
Residents will also be able to appeal rule changes and evictions to TasCAT.
“These are important changes to give long-stay residents of caravan parks real rights and we look forward to them soon becoming law,” Rosol said.
