Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW (TAA) and The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) have both welcomed moves by the State Government to implement a new regulatory framework, including a Code of Conduct, for short-term rental accommodation (STRA).
TAA NSW CEO Michael Johnson said the association had been pushing for a registration system to be implemented on short-term rentals for some time.
“TAA NSW welcomes any moves towards better regulation of short-term letting,” Mr Johnson said.
“A registration system is a welcome first step towards creating a level playing field between the accommodation sector and the “quasi hotels” springing up due to unregulated short-term letting.
“We welcome the Government’s move to ask for community feedback on a new regulatory framework on STRA – especially the fact it would include a Mandatory Code of Conduct for the first time.
“We will be making a submission as part of the Government’s consultation process.”
AAoA said that unregulated accommodation is one of the greatest challenges the sector is facing.
As the accommodation representative on the NSW Advisory Committee for the Code of Conduct, The Accommodation Association of Australia has been actively working with the Government to ensure the interests of the sector are being heard by Government.
“As the Sector’s peak voice into Government we are pleased that they have now agreed that a creating a level playing field means registration and elevating fire and safety standards for those operating in unregulated accommodation industry," said Dean Long, the CEO of the Accommodation Association.
“We will be reviewing the proposed regulations and we look forward to working with the Government as they finalise the specifics of the regulations to ensure the needs of the accommodation sector and our guests are considered”, Mr Long said.
TAA's Mr Johnson said they had no issue with mums and dads renting out spare rooms, or their homes while on holidays, but was campaigning to stop unregulated ‘quasi- hotels’ springing up in suburbs like Bondi, Coogee, Manly and the Sydney CBD.
“No matter where tourists stay, they should be able to rest assured that their accommodation adheres to minimum health and safety requirements,” he said.
“We congratulate Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson on opening up a consultation process on STRA.”
It’s expected a mandatory Code of Conduct would facilitate oversight of STRA providers – including the resolution of complaints and disputes, as well as allowing for disciplinary action to be taken including the issuing of warning notices or “strikes”.
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