Tasmanians Petition Parliament to Oppose Short Stay Levy Bill 2025

The Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA) has formally submitted a Parliamentary Petition calling on Members of the Tasmanian House of Assembly to oppose the Short Stay Levy Bill 2025, warning the proposed levy will harm Tasmanian households, regional communities and the visitor economy.

The petition highlights significant concerns that the proposed 5 per cent levy on short-term rental accommodation (STRA) will increase the cost of visiting Tasmania, reduce demand and undermine the state's competitiveness against destinations without similar taxes.

Andrew McMaster, STAAA Tasmania Board Member, said the levy reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how accommodation pricing works.

"Accommodation pricing is dynamic and demand-driven. In many cases, STRA operators absorb costs rather than pass them on, particularly in off-peak periods." Mr McMaster said.

"Despite being described as a 5 per cent levy, when combined with existing fees and charges it will materially increase the cost of visiting Tasmania, making the state less affordable and less competitive."

The petition draws attention to the disproportionate impact on ordinary Tasmanians, including households who rent out a room in their home to manage rising living costs, as well as regional communities, where tourism supports approximately one in six jobs.

"This levy will impact everyday Tasmanians." Mr McMaster said.

"In regional areas, STRA supports local jobs, small businesses and the accommodation of workers delivering essential services. Weakening that ecosystem risks real economic harm."

The petition also highlights the role of STRA in supporting major infrastructure projects, with contractors and specialist workers often reliant on STRA as their preferred accommodation type while delivering public works.

"The levy will increase accommodation costs for contractors delivering major infrastructure projects." Mr McMaster said.

"Those additional costs don't disappear, they will be ultimately paid by Tasmanian taxpayers."

STAAA has also raised concerns about the policy rationale underpinning the levy, noting that while it is framed as supporting first home buyers, Tasmania remains the only Australian state not to opt into the Federal Government's Help to Buy Scheme.

"If housing affordability is genuinely the goal, it's difficult to reconcile this levy with the state's decision not to participate in national housing solutions." Mr McMaster said.

The petition further warns that international booking platforms will benefit disproportionately, collecting the levy, earning commission on the tax itself and paying minimal tax locally.

"Tasmanian operators carry the burden, while global platforms clip the ticket." Mr McMaster said.

"That outcome should concern anyone focused on fairness and economic integrity."

STAAA also expressed disappointment that the proposal was developed without meaningful consultation with them as the national peak body for the STRA industry.

"STAAA represents STRA owners and operators across Australia and works constructively with governments." Mr McMaster said.

"Meaningful consultation would have led to better, evidence-based policy outcomes."

Through the petition, Tasmanians are calling on the House of Assembly to:
Oppose the Short Stay Levy Bill 2025

- Refrain from introducing new levies or taxes

- Develop fair, proportionate and evidence-based policy that supports housing, tourism and small businesses across Tasmania

"Tasmanians are asking for balanced policy, not new taxes that create unintended consequences." Mr McMaster said.

"We urge Parliament to listen."

Full Parliamentary Petition is located here:

https://haepetitions.parliament.tas.gov.au/haepet/Home/PetitionDetails/139?title=Petition%20Details

Contact us:

Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA)
Email: contact@staaa.org.au
Website: https://staaa.org.au

About the Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA):

The Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA) is the national peak body representing Australia's short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry.

Dedicated to supporting STRA owners and operators and advancing best practice, STAAA provides a united national voice to protect members' interests, strengthen industry standards and contribute positively to Australia's visitor economy and broader tourism industry.

This release was published on openPR.