Daniel Andrews explodes when he is brutally questioned about his new Airbnb tax: “I will say it 100 times!”
- Daniel Andrews introduces new Airbnb tax
- The journalist disagrees with the idea that it is a ‘modest charge’
Daniel Andrews has lashed out at a journalist who disputed his claim that his new levy on short-term rental providers such as Airbnb was a “modest” charge.
The Victorian Premier announced on Wednesday that his government was introducing a 7.5% consumption tax on all short-term accommodation bookings on platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz, from 2025.
“How can you say it’s a modest tax when it’s the highest short-stay tax in the world? » asked a journalist during a press conference.
Mr Andrews replied: “Well, it’s a modest amount. »
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has lashed out at a journalist who disputed his claim that his government’s new levy on short-term rental providers such as Airbnb was a “modest” charge.
“Other jurisdictions have set it at 2, 3, 5 percent – that’s the highest,” the journalist replied.
Mr. Andrews replied: “Well, $7.50 per $100 is a modest amount…”
The journalist responded by saying “that’s not modest” before the Prime Minister continued.
“It’s a modest amount – I’ll say it 100 times if you want, and we won’t agree on it, but it’s a modest amount,” Mr Andrews said.
The heated debate continued with the journalist describing the fees as potentially “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for landlords.
“I’ll leave the camels to you because there are a few lumps in your arguing companion,” said Mr. Andrews.
“Seriously, seriously, if you want to tell me that $7.50 for a hundred dollars – and because that’s higher than what’s happening in Florence, New York or Auckland, mom and dad are worse off – that’s not true. People need a place to live. Everyone needs a place to live.
Airbnb Australia and New Zealand head of public policy Michael Crosby said the tax gave hotels a clean chit and a figure in line with international standards between three and five per cent would have been more appropriate.
“Such a high rate could have a negative impact on Victoria’s appeal as a tourist destination, also penalizing ordinary Victorians looking for a local holiday when many are already struggling with the cost of living,” he said. he declared.
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council is concerned the tax could stall the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting tourism spending in regional areas has already fallen 21 per cent in May compared to the same period last year.
“Why are consumers who support the state’s critical tourism economy being asked to fund the government’s social housing policy,” asked the organization’s executive director, Felicia Mariani.
The Prime Minister of Victoria (pictured, with his wife Catherine) announced on Wednesday that his government was introducing a 7.5% consumption tax on all short-term accommodation bookings on platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz, from 2025.
The prime minister admitted the tax would not be universally popular, but hopes the “modest” tax will raise $70 million a year to build and maintain social housing.
In a bid to speed up planning assessments, the Planning Minister will assess developments worth more than $50 million in Melbourne and $15 million in regional Victoria instead of local councils.
The only condition is that developers must set aside at least 10 percent of the total units as affordable housing to be eligible.
The Victorian Municipal Association, a peak body which represents 79 councils across the state, said it had not been consulted on the changes and questioned the flexibility of the minimum requirement.
“Communities will be rightly concerned that the Minister has been given the power to reduce or remove this requirement without any guidance as to when this would be appropriate,” said Deputy Speaker Joseph Haweil.
