Tasmania’s lower house has started debating an “order” to build the Macquarie Point stadium.
It follows years of public disagreements over the scope, cost and scale of the proposed stadium, which was written into the contract with the AFL for Tasmania to have its own team.
The latest cost estimate is $1.13 billion, including a $375 million capital contribution from the Tasmanian government, $240 million from the Commonwealth for the broader precinct, and $15 million from the AFL, with the remainder to be borrowed.
A concept image for the proposed Hobart stadium at Macquarie Point. (Supplied: MPDC)
The debate is on an order to approve the stadium — the conclusion of a Project of State Significance process in which the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) recommended against proceeding on a range of planning and financial grounds.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff told parliament that he “appreciates the advice” from the TPC, but believed the stadium should proceed.
“We cannot let parochialism and politics get in the way of opportunity in this state,” he said.
Mr Rockliff signed the deal with then-AFL head Gillon McLachlan in 2023, which locked in the requirement of the roofed stadium at Macquarie Point.
In his speech, he defended the deal.
“There’s been criticism of the deal that we signed. Was it the most perfect deal of the century? Some would say ‘yes’, others would say ‘no,'” Mr Rockliff said.
“It got us an agreement to get our own Tasmanian Devils team, of which we have been fighting for, for decades and decades.
“And a foot in the door when the AFL … kept shutting the door on Tasmania: ‘no, no, no, no’. When we signed the agreement, they said, ‘yes’.”
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Labor has previously committed its support for the stadium, meaning it is likely to pass the lower house.
‘Extraordinary opportunity’: Labor leader
Labor leader Josh Willie told parliament that the government’s handling of the stadium process was “abysmal”, arguing that it had added to the divisiveness in the community.
“I understand why so many in the community are sceptical about the process and angry about the process. We share your concerns about the process,” he said.
“But we also see the extraordinary opportunity that this project presents, the chance to progress a once-in-a-generation project, opening new opportunities across so many sectors in our state.
“We understand that this project is critical in securing the AFL and AFLW licence our state has dreamt about and fought for, for decades.“
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Parliament earlier agreed to scrutinise the stadium by using a parliamentary committee, which Mr Willie said was adequate oversight, despite him “not trusting” the government on infrastructure delivery.
A contingent of crossbench MPs met with Tom Harley from the AFL last month, arguing that the stadium requirement is onerous and unfair on Tasmania’s finances.
Mr Willie said the AFL Commission — and the 18 AFL clubs — would withdraw Tasmania’s licence, draft picks and $360 million in funding over 10 years if the stadium was rejected.
Stadium build quashes alternative proposals: Woodruff
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff spoke of the criticisms of the stadium highlighted by the scathing TPC report, including its estimate of $50 million in additional taxes per year for 30 years to fund the capital costs and borrowing.
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She said alternative proposals for Macquarie Point would be lost.
“We could have had an internationally significant urban renewal project there already, including 1,000 houses with homes for 2,000 to 3,000 people,”
Ms Woodruff said.
“A nationally significant truth and reconciliation park. A new state library. A tidal swimming pool. A light rail transit hub and so much more.
“The Greens support the $240 million in federal funding, of course we do, and it should be used as intended, not for a stadium, but on housing as part of the alternative vision that’s been proposed.”
The TPC was also critical of the government’s engagement with the Aboriginal community over the plans — which have seen reconciliation aspects reduced in size on multiple occasions — along with its impact on the Hobart cenotaph.
RSL Tasmania president Mike Gallagher wrote to upper house members on Wednesday, reiterating its opposition to the stadium at Macquarie Point.
“Once its setting and reverence are lost, they cannot be restored. This is not a question of political ideology but one of cultural and moral responsibility,” the letter reads.
“RSL Tasmania urges you to exercise your independence in full, to consider not only the present debate but the legacy your decision will leave for future generations.”
O’Byrne slams ‘wilful ignorance’ of detractors
Franklin independent David O’Byrne — a former Labor leader — has long supported the Macquarie Point stadium and was highly critical of the organised opposition to the stadium.
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“Those that are most vigorous in their opposition to this proposal are blind to their indifference and to the hopes and dreams of others,” he told parliament.
“This wilful ignorance consumes them. At its heart, it’s selfishness.
“Where they prosecute their brand of radical conservatism, they are cruel and offensive in their discourse. In my view, they are bullies and bullies of the worst kind.”
He also claimed that “leaders of the anti-stadium brigade” had not worked in disadvantaged communities, while he said he has.
Premier ‘blinded by desire’, Johnston says
Clark independent Kristie Johnston, who has long opposed the stadium, said it was a consequence of multiple premiers being too keen to deliver an AFL team.
“The premier — blinded by his desire to be the one to secure a team — threw out proper due diligence, proper planning and budgeting processes, even forgot to consult with his own colleagues,” she said.
“It was so on the nose to some members of his own party that they left and joined the crossbench, plunging his government into crisis.
“This government is prioritising corporate interests, the AFL and private businesses, including gambling interests, over ordinary Tasmanians.”
Ms Johnston said Labor had the power to vote the stadium down, but described the party as “drunk on the vibe of the team”.
MP ‘backflips’ on position
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Carlo Di Falco said he would vote in support of the project, despite having been elected four months ago on an anti-stadium platform.
He said he had been swayed by conversations with his constituents, despite still holding some concerns.
“Some people may say I’ve backflipped,” Mr Di Falco told the parliament.
“If you’re not allowed to change your position, after critically weighing up options, then I’m not sure what the point of being here is.“
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