2024-02-21
Tamara Smith MP, Greens Member for Ballina, is calling on her constituents to share their experiences with short-term holiday lets as part of the NSW government’s review into short-term rental accommodation.
Reform to crack down on the overrepresentation of short-term holiday lets was a key election commitment from the Greens at the last election.
In September of last year, the NSW Labor government committed to a 60-Day Cap on short-term holiday letting in Byron Shire after sustained pressure from the community.
The government has since announced a review into short-term rental accommodation, and are considering several measures, including the application of vacancy taxes to short-term holiday lets and requiring short-term holiday lets to be registered with local taxes, among others.
Tamara Smith said, “Short-term holiday lets are tearing apart the social fabric of our region, and making the housing crisis worse.”
“In my electorate, there are ten homes sitting empty for every person sleeping rough. That’s utterly unacceptable, and we need locals to speak up and contribute to the government’s review.”
Ms Smith continued, “After years of pressure from the community and the Greens, NSW Labor has finally signalled its willingness to tax short-term holiday lets and review how they’re monitored. This is the best chance we have to pressure Labor to take action; it’s a make-or-break situation.”
“I’m calling on renters and homeowners in my region to give the government their holiday letting horror stories.”
“So many people have been stuck living next to a business with different neighbours every week. Renters have told me they’ve been forced out onto the street so landlords can put their homes on holiday letting platforms. And local businesses have been completely unable to find workers because there aren’t any long-term rentals,” Ms Smith continued.
“This review is our best opportunity yet to fundamentally change how short-term holiday lets are taxed, monitored and regulated by government. Please get in touch with my office for support to make a submission or even to complete the five-minute questionnaire.”
Ms Smith’s office can be contacted via email at ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au.