Australian-First Airbnb Bookings Tax Clears Last Hurdle

Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate a levy on short-stay bookings with platforms like Airbnb and Stayz. The Australian-first statewide short-stay levy will begin on Jan. 1, 2025, after the reforms passed the state parliament’s upper house on Oct. 17. Under the controversial reforms, users will be slugged an extra 7.5 percent on Airbnb and Stayz bookings across Victoria. Those leasing out part or all of their principal place of residence for short stays will be exempt, as are hotels, motels, and caravan parks. Owner corporations will be able to ban short-stays in their buildings with a 75 percent vote, and the charge is restricted to stays of fewer than 28 days....