Independent MPs to support controversial Macquarie Point stadium, paving way for Tasmania Devils to join AFL
“The public focus was on who would support the stadium. For me, the question was under what conditions the stadium could gain support. So my support for the project is absolutely contingent on economics, governance, design and social safeguards aimed at protecting the well-being of Tasmanians.”
Confirming his support for the stadium, Harriss said:“A vote against the decision would likely result in the Devils license being revoked and the AFL dream ending.
“There are many analogies floating around, but I can’t help but think the most appropriate one is President Kennedy’s announcement in 1961 that America would put a man on the moon.
“I see Tasmanian Devils as our moonwalk and the stadium, warts and all, as the way to get there.”
Last month, Harris questioned whether the state could afford the stadium after the Treasury Department predicted the state’s total debt would exceed $13 billion by 2028.
In his speech to parliament on Wednesday, Rattray said the stadium meant “creating a legacy for which future generations will thank us.”
Tasmanian independent Bec Thomas outside parliament in Hobart.Credit: AAP
hiscutt He said his support goes beyond “fear of the unknown and discomfort with change.”
“I hear a lot of people say we earned a team or we deserve a team, and those statements are true,” he said.
“But AFL is a business and operates on words like ‘long-term sustainability’ and ‘profitability’, not words like ‘earned’ or ‘deserved’.
“It determined that the agreement between the AFL and the Prime Minister met the needs in that context. But using emotion to dictate that it will be renegotiated is nonsense at best and hypocrisy at worst.”
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Our independent member Ruth Forrest continued her opposition to the stadium.
“I cannot support a project that fails basic planning tests, breaches the government’s own investment criteria and saps economic activity through debt service while producing uncertain returns,” Forrest said.
“I am of the view that we should not vote ‘yes’ on the fear that the AFL will not withdraw and that they will be left behind. I will never bow to pressure from an outside party, especially a party that always acts in its own interests.”
The Greens’ Cassy O’Connor also rejected the plan and abandoned her previously planned speech after realizing the stadium had gained the necessary support.
“We now know almost certainly how the vote will turn out. So it now seems moot to put forward all the evidence – irrefutable, independent, expert evidence – as to why this order should be rejected resoundingly,” O’Connor said.
Labor will vote at least two in favor of the project and is likely to vote three given there is currently no deadlock. Craig Farrell is the speaker of the upper house, and in cases of a tie the president traditionally casts a negative vote.
While the federal government has pledged $240 million for the stadium and the AFL has pledged $15 million, the state will have to borrow the rest, raising fears the financially dire state will be buried in debt.
Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff, who signed the AFL charter, admitted this week he was nervous about the vote.
A new stadium is needed: AFL chief Andrew Dillon names Tasmanian Devils in March 2024.Credit: AFL Pictures
The AFL has maintained it will only issue a 19th license if the stadium is approved. If approved, the Devils will split their home games in their first season between existing stadiums in Hobart and Launceston while the new stadium is built.
Thomas, a former mayor, said the government had secured its commitment to safeguards, including a fixed cost cap of $875 million on the state’s contribution, an independent monitor as part of project governance and oversight, and the restoration of participation funding at the grassroots level.
Thomas also wants the government to increase the funding pool for community sports infrastructure to $105 million over four years and adopt a sports infrastructure plan and framework for government investment in sports.
The new club is yet to appoint a men’s senior coach, but Collingwood great Nathan Buckley, one of the favourites, said this week he would follow the vote closely.
