Under the law introduced last month, short-stay hosts must pass on the 7.5 per cent levy to guests, including victims and support services covering emergency accommodation costs.
Charlotte Brett, CEO of Melbourne-based short-term rental management provider BNB Butler, said the tax was creating unnecessary financial hurdles for vulnerable individuals.
“Short-stay operators want to help domestic violence survivors but currently have no mechanism to waive these charges,” Ms Brett said.
“The timing is particularly concerning as we enter a period where accommodation availability is already strained due to major upcoming events like the Grand Prix, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This could further limit options for those needing emergency shelter.”
BNB Butler is calling on the Victorian Government to immediately amend its exemption criteria to include domestic violence services and verified emergency accommodation cases.
“A simple amendment to include domestic violence services and verified cases of emergency accommodation in the exemption criteria would solve this issue,” Ms Brett said.
She also stressed the need for greater consultation with family violence experts and short-stay service providers when implementing housing policies.
“This situation demonstrates why consultation with family violence experts and short-stay service providers must be part of housing policy implementation.
“We urge the Allan government to immediately review and amend the exemption criteria to ensure the levy doesn’t further impact those seeking safety from domestic violence.”
