Holidaymakers to Victoria will face an additional 7.5% levy on short-stay accommodations like Airbnb starting January 1, 2025. The levy aims to free up housing by encouraging property owners to convert short-stay properties into long-term rentals.
Treasurer Tim Pallas stated, “Decisions of this nature are difficult. It’s not a punishment. It’s essentially a contribution.”
The policy has received mixed reactions with support from the Greens and criticism from tourism groups and Airbnb. Victoria Tourism Industry Council’s chief executive Felicia Mariani emphasized that it is a tax on consumers, not property owners.
Greens MP Gabrielle De Vietri supports the move as a crackdown on property investors hoarding homes for profit, while Airbnb’s head of policy Michael Crosby defended hosts as ordinary Victorians trying to earn extra income.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of the levy on Victoria’s tourism sector compared to other states. Critics fear it could make Victoria less attractive and affordable as a travel destination.
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