Independent Clark MP Helen Burnet has labelled the state government’s proposed 5% short stay levy inadequate, warning it will do little to ease the state’s worsening rental crisis.
Burnet said Hobart rents had risen 9.1% in the past year, hitting vulnerable Tasmanians hardest.
“No one should have to choose between safe housing and health care or safe housing and a meal for their families,” she said.
“But that’s the reality many Tasmanians face today.”
The former Greens MP, who quit the party earlier this month to sit on the crossbench, singled out single parents, young people, students, migrant workers and older women as bearing the brunt of the crisis.
She said the government’s proposed levy on platforms like Airbnb and Stayz would fall well short of what’s needed.
“We need to acknowledge the impact short-stay properties are having on rental prices,” she said.
“The government’s proposed 5% levy on short stay won’t go anywhere near solving this crisis.”
The levy, outlined in a discussion paper released by Treasury in December, is expected to raise about $11 million annually for first home buyer assistance programs.
It would apply to stays under 28 nights booked through platforms or directly with property owners, though hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and caravan parks would be exempt.
Burnet called on Housing Minister Kerry Vincent to prioritise affordable housing development, pointing to planned medium-density housing at the Hobart Showgrounds in Glenorchy that remains unbuilt.
“This would be the perfect opportunity for government to take action and facilitate development that delivers homes,” she said.
“Finding ways to make suitable housing a priority would go a long way to fixing Tasmania’s housing crisis. I urge Minister Vincent to grasp this.”
Hobart’s rental vacancy rate sits at just 0.4%, making it one of the tightest rental markets in the country.
Public submissions on the short stay legislation close on February 25.
