A new levy on short-term stays provided by companies such as Airbnb could be introduced in Victoria as early as next week, reports suggest.
The levy will be proposed to state cabinet on Monday, and could cost consumers up to 7.5 per cent of the existing cost of their stay, according to The Age.
Based on average rates provided by Inside Airbnb, that would mean the levy would add about $17 per night to the average price of rentals in metropolitan Melbourne and $42 for stays on the Mornington Peninsula.
Chief executive of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Felicia Mariani has told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell the levy could have implications for tourism.
“The industry absolutely agrees the government must intervene to do something about the housing crisis we are facing, and we understand the role short stays have had on long-term available leases.
“Our problem with what is being proposed here, is once again, the consumer is being asked to put their hand in their pocket to pay for this issue.
“Anything that makes Victoria more expensive makes us a more unattractive destination.”
Minister Gabrielle Williams remained tight-lipped when she was asked about the changes that are expected to be presented in the state government’s long-awaited housing statement.
“I am not going to pre-empt any announcements that could be made,” she told reporters.
“The premier has indicated that there is a housing statement on the horizon and that acknowledges that we know housing is one the greatest pressures, and there are multiple different parts to how we ease pressure on families.
(9 News)
“We will have more to say on that soon.”