THE MINISTER AND HIS SHADOW
Airbnb's Joe Gebbia & Sam McDonagh surrounded by devoted staff - Brent Thomas hasn’t touched his meal
In the NSW State Parliament this morning MPs lined up to speak to a new Bill which passed the House. Independents, Greens, Labor…shadow Minister Yasmin Catley spoke passionately, bringing with her letters of support from 25 key stakeholders including Construction and Strata bodies.
Up stepped Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean, who emphasised penalties, giving councils more powers to enforce safety issues, of working with Fire and Rescue NSW and their fire response plans, and of a task force. Minister Kean stressed: “NSW has some of the toughest fire safety standards in the world…” and the Bill today “will complement what is already in place to further enhance safety. We are determined to do all we can to make people as safe as possible in their homes.” Importantly, in October 2016 the Department of Planning and Environment “held information seminars…to explain the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC)…the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to strengthen regulation to minimise risk”.
It is worthwhile reading Minister Kean’s speech in Parliament in full. When it comes to today’s Bill - The Building Products (Safety) Bill 2017 - Minister Kean is adamant about adherence with requirements under the National Construction Code and the Building Codes of Australia. Minister, this is exactly our position when it comes to the short-term tourist/visitor letting of residential housing. This activity must only occur in class 1(b) and class 3 buildings. Anything less is unacceptable.
This week Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has been in town massaging journalists and all who’d listen. Reportedly worth US$3.8 billion, Google search to see some of his media. Not a whisper of the National Construction Code or compliance or that Airbnb doesn’t file accounts with corporate regulator ASIC – monies generated are flown to Airbnb Ireland, rather than Airbnb Australia.
Homes not Hotels Communities not Transit Zones People before Profits Neighbours not Strangers
