Now that Victoria has both a new Premier and a new Minister for Consumer Affairs, can we dare to hope or dream there will be some meaningful changes during the first term of this new government?

The Victorian Greens have written to the Treasurer Tim Pallis saying they will oppose Victoria’s proposed short-stay levy unless they get substantial changes to the state government’s new housing policy.

Victoria’s proposed tax on short stays will generate cash for the state government while ignoring internationally recognised solutions to tackle problems with the industry.

The woeful inadequacy of the state’s short-stay legislation remains in the spotlight, with heightened tension in municipalities throughout the state.

The We Live Here Forum on Housing Affordability and Short-Term Rentals showed that there are solutions to the crisis, and that people with different perspectives can work together to achieve results.