MEDIA RELEASE: Yes Minister? We're Still Waiting...

Yesterday in Parliament, Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated passionately: “We will continue to do everything we can in Government to not only ensure confidence but instil confidence in every decision we make and everything we do. That is why we appreciate that it is critical for the public to have confidence in local government across the board.”

Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton followed: “On a very serious note, this Government has some of the toughest environment protection laws in the nation. Let me assure the House that if any improvements need to be made, we will make them.”

The North Cost news daily yesterday quoted Jordan Condo, director of corporate and government affairs Stayz/Expedia claiming: “Stayz is happy to participate in a good-faith consultation process that ensures regulation of short-term rental accommodation in Byron Bay...” Neighbours Not Strangers’ Byron coalition partners describe Mr Condo as being “at his most hypocritical best”, given that one of his cohort testified to the Victorian Parliament that in NSW short-term letting is “Illegal”.

With a background in Law plus an extensive property portfolio, Minister Upton would have no difficulty comprehending NSW Legislation covering Residential homes. In order to maintain our confidence in Government, would the Minister please explain why Airbnb, Expedia/Stayz and others are permitted large-scale, unimpeded, unlawful activity and why she has failed to instruct Local Governments to act?

Minister, the time to subpoena the records of short-term rental operators in NSW is well passed.

Homes not Hotels Communities not Transit Zones People before Profits Neighbours not Strangers