Key Dates: Consultation opened: Thursday, September 17, 2026 09:30 am

Consultation closes: Friday, October 30, 2026 05:00 pm

Tell us how the state government’s planned introduction of a Short Stay Accommodation Register, Code of Conduct and other related reforms should take shape.

What’s being decided? Short stay accommodation (SSA) has become an increasingly important policy issue in South Australia because of concerns that properties are being diverted from being long-term rental properties.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) is compiling industry and community feedback to inform how a proposed register of SSA properties is implemented, along with a supporting code of conduct and any other suitable reforms.

Background: CBS has, at times, received complaints from individuals and councils about distress and disruption caused to communities through noise complaints, unauthorised parties and alleged criminal activity associated with SSA.

The topic emerged again during National Cabinet’s formation of A Better Deal for Renters to harmonise and strengthen renters’ rights across Australia in August 2023.

A parliamentary Select Committee then inquired into the Short Stay Accommodation Sector in 2025. The Committee noted there is no reliable central database identifying the number of active SSA properties or occupancy rates.

The Committee heard concerns about limited rental vacancies.

It also heard that SSA properties support tourism and event capacity, contributing to South Australia’s Tourism Strategy goal of increasing visitor expenditure to $12.8 billion by 2030.

In the final report of the Committee the recommendations included that a SSA Register be established.

Get involved: We want to hear about:

• if the register should be public
• the properties to be included
• any unintended consequences
• who should oversee any registers
• whether a Code of Conduct is supported and if it should be uniform for all properties
• how SSA’s should be used or managed
• any transitional provisions that may be required.

You can also tell us any general concerns you may have regarding the proposed register, or suggestions about other elements relevant to the scope of our discussion paper.

Find out more Read the Short Stay Accommodation Register Discussion Paper

Have your say: Take our survey BELOW: Email a submission to: CBSReforms@sa.gov.au

Note: Your submission or its contents may be made publicly available. Submissions may be subject to Freedom of Information and other laws. If you would like your submission to remain confidential, please clearly state this in the submission and provide your reasoning.

What are the next steps? Consumer and Business Services will compile your feedback for the state government’s decisions about the criteria and operation of a register, any Code of Conduct and any other related reforms that may be considered appropriate.

Short Stay Accommodation Register Survey

Please read the Short Stay Accommodation Register Discussion Paper to inform your feedback.

Suggested responses for Coober Pedy

1. Should the register be publicly available? Alternatively, should this be limited to a public register about disciplinary action and those who have been excluded from providing SSA?

Yes, basic registration and compliance information should be public. Private and commercially sensitive information must be genuine, and remain protected.

2. Are there any criteria which you believe should or should not be included in the definition of an SSA property?

The definition should be clear and fair, covering different types of accommodation without favouring large developments over existing local businesses.

3. Are the proposed registration requirements achievable? Will these create any unintended barriers for individuals or businesses?

Requirements should be affordable and practical for small, remote businesses. Excessive costs and paperwork could disadvantage established local operators.

4. Do you agree with the proposal for local councils to oversee registration and renewals?

Only with clear safeguards, independent oversight and transparent decision-making, particularly where councils have an interest in accommodation developments.

5. What concerns, if any, do you have regarding these proposed requirements?

Requirements must not unfairly disadvantage existing businesses. Coober Pedy already has local short stay accommodation providers whose family incomes depend on tourism. The impact of additional accommodation on these businesses must be considered.

6. Do you support the introduction of a Code of Conduct for the Short Stay Accommodation sector?

Yes, provided it protects guests, neighbours and the community and applies equally to all operators.

7. If supported, would you prefer the Code of Conduct to be uniform for all Short Stay Accommodation properties in South Australia?

Yes, with consistent minimum standards but practical flexibility for regional and remote communities.

8. Are there any particular issues with the use or management of Short Stay Accommodation properties you would want to be considered in drafting a Code of Conduct?

Safety, cleanliness, noise, guest behaviour, complaints and accountability. It should also consider the impact of large developments on existing local accommodation businesses.

9. Are there any factors which may affect an individual or corporation from complying within the proposed timeframe?

Remote businesses face higher costs and limited access to trades and professional services. Adequate time and practical assistance are essential.

10. What transitional provisions may be required? And why?

Allow at least 12 months for existing operators to comply, with clear guidance and affordable registration.

11. Do you have any concerns about the enforcement of a Short Stay Accommodation Register?

Yes. Enforcement must be consistent and impartial. Conflicts of interest should be declared, decisions made transparently and review or appeal processes provided.

12. Are there any other elements relevant to the scope of this paper that should be considered?

The Government should consider the impact of large developments on existing regional businesses and family incomes. In Coober Pedy, any additional accommodation should be justified by independent evidence of demand and existing room capacity. Public authorities should consult the community and disclose potential financial benefits and conflicts of interest before supporting developments that could disadvantage local operators.

13. To inform our survey results, please identify if you are a: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/short-stay-accommodation-register