 Government lurching from policy to policy on Airbnb
 What position will the Liberals announce next on short stay accommodation?
 Labor’s policy strikes the right balance

The Liberal Government’s messy history on short stay accommodation in Tasmania is typical of its approach to policy.

Shadow Minister for Planning Madeleine Ogilvie said the Government’s Airbnb saga has been embarrassing.

“The Liberals have been all over the place when it comes to the sharing economy,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“More than 15 months ago the Premier was bragging that the Government had a policy on short-stay accommodation.”

“The government believes that it’s the government’s role to provide a regulatory framework that’s fair and that provides necessary protections” (Will Hodgman, The Mercury, October 28 2015)

“Then the Liberals decided that Airbnb hosts would have tight restrictions regarding the number of days they could operate,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“It will provide clarity for Airbnb and other short-term accommodation options by enabling residential buildings to operate for up to six weeks – 42 days – a year before permits are required,” (Peter Gutwein, ABC News, March 9 2016)

“Come September last year the Government was considering making the limit 100 days, instead of 42,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“We have sought to strike the right balance by extensively consulting, and assessing what happens in other jurisdictions,” (Will Hodgman, The Mercury, September 26 2016)

“Now there’s speculation the Government has changed its mind again,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“Who are the Liberals consulting with as they jump from policy to policy on short-stay accommodation?

“The Premier needs to listen to stakeholders to ensure a common-sense approach is found.

“Labor’s policy on short stay accommodation strikes a balance between embracing the sharing economy and protecting Tasmanians.

“We would have no restrictions on people wanting to rent out their homes but would guarantee anti-social behaviour is addressed and minimum standards are adhered to.”

You can read Labor’s policy here: http://taslabor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Short-Stay-Accommodation-Guiding-Principles.pdf
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Public Planning Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy