Anger over accommodation reform details

TASMANIA’S local government and tourism sectors say they are not impressed they have only just received information on how major reforms on short-term accommodation will work, two days out from implementation.

The state’s short-term accommodation market will be deregulated this weekend, to allow for the explosion in the number of private properties listed on sites such as Airbnb.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said he received information from the Government yesterday, despite the TICT submitting questions months ago.

Mr Martin said the TICT had about 600 members oper- ating traditional B&Bs that would essentially be classed as private homes under the reforms. “The consultation has been haphazard,” he said.

Local Government Association of Tasmania CEO Katrena Stephenson said councils had just received information sheets on the changes.

Dr Stephenson said councils had argued against open slather on sharing accommodation and had been frustrated by the trickle of information from the Government.

Planning Minister Peter Gutwein said a working group was established in February that consulted with LGAT, TICT, THA and others. “There have been no substantive changes to the implementation plan since February,’’ he said.