Statement on Brisbane City Council short stay permits decision

Airbnb welcomes Brisbane City Council’s decision not to proceed with the proposed permit scheme, and acknowledges the Council’s collaborative engagement throughout this process. 

Short-term accommodation represents less than one percent of Brisbane’s available housing stock¹ and, as the Council’s own consultation confirmed, serves critical needs well beyond tourism – including housing for domestic violence survivors, insurance claimants, and families supporting loved ones through hospital stays. 

This outcome reflects what research² has consistently shown: short stays are not a primary driver of housing affordability challenges. 

Hosting plays a vital role in supporting Queenslanders with the rising cost of living. A survey of Airbnb hosts revealed 44% of people turned to hosting on Airbnb to help them stay in their home.³ 

Airbnb is critical to supporting accommodation during major events such as The Magic Round and global music tours. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics fast approaching, getting these policy settings right has never been more important.

Airbnb is a major driver of economic activity in the region. Research from Oxford Economics found that in 2024, spending associated with Airbnb contributed $4.8bn to Queensland’s GSP, which in turn supported 25,600 jobs.⁴

Our hosts are committed to operating responsibly, with measures in place such as our anti-party defences (a part of our Global Party ban) and tools such as City Portal (that includes a 24/7 support line).  

Airbnb is committed to working constructively with councils on sensible, proportionate regulation that helps communities realise the benefits of short stay accommodation.

Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager for Airbnb Australia and New Zealand