Consultation opens on Draft Short Stay Levy Bill 2025

Consultation is now open on draft legislation to introduce a 5 per cent Short Stay Levy ahead of its planned 1 July 2026 commencement.

The draft Short Stay Levy Bill 2025 is accompanied by a Discussion Paper, which outlines the levy model and highlights alignment with similar measures already in place in Victoria and the ACT.

Treasurer Eric Abetz said the levy will apply to short stay accommodation, such as those advertised on platforms like Airbnb and Stayz, and will not apply to hotels, pubs, bed and breakfasts, and caravan parks.

“As we took to the 2024 Election, the levy will be paid by guests rather than property owners, and consequently, the levy will be paid overwhelmingly by interstate and overseas travellers, with an estimated 83 per cent of Tasmanian short stays used by interstate or overseas travellers,” the Treasurer said.

“While the levy will apply and need to be collected from 1 July 2026, booking platform providers and people that accept direct bookings included in the scope of the levy will have up to 30 June 2027 to register for the levy ahead of the first lodgement and annual payment of the 2025-26 levy, required by 30 July 2027.”

The short stay levy will fund Tasmanian Government initiatives that are helping more people into home ownership.

“We are supporting Tasmanians into home ownership by stamping out stamp duty on homes valued up to $750,000,” the Treasurer said.

“This initiative has delivered for Tasmanians by supporting thousands into their own home without paying a cent of stamp duty.

"We have also tripled the first home owner grant to $30,000, giving Tasmanians more choice and stimulating the construction industry."

Consultation is open until 5pm on Wednesday 25 February 2026, and the Government encourages all interested parties to have their say on this important initiative.

The draft Bill and Discussion Paper are now available here: https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/economy/short-stay-levy-bill-2025-consultation