Peter Dutton backs Macquarie Point stadium and hopes for better financial deal

Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton was back in Tasmania again and this time hinted at a better deal for the Macquarie Point stadium. Read the latest.

Sorrell Councillor Melinda Reed, Sorrell Mayor Janet Gatehouse, Hon Peter Dutton MP and Susie Bower at Sorell Mens Shed. Picture: Caroline Tan

Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton has thrown his support behind the Macquarie Point stadium and has hinted he could give the state government a better financial deal on the project.

On his second visit in four weeks to the marginal seat of Lyons, he supported the controversial stadium and promised to consider the GST arrangements.

“We’re committed, obviously, to the stadium and there’ll be a debate around the GST which is ongoing with the government.

“We’re at a disadvantage because we don’t have that Treasury advice or the finance advice, but I think what we’ve demonstrated that we are committed to Tasmania.

“We’ll do everything we can to support the people of Tassie and we’re very happy to consider any request from the Rockliff Government around the GST or other issues.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Hobart in relation to funding for a stadium at Macquarie Point. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The federal government is contributing $240m to the Macquarie Point urban renewal project but effectively has ruled out excluding the funding from the calculation of GST relativities.

A Lions supporter savouring their 60 point AFL grand final win he said he would be “down with bells on at the stadium having a look at those young kids who will be inspired by athletes”.

“You’ll see young kids changing their whole training regimes and chasing the dream of representing their state and that’s a wonderful thing,” he said.

“I think we should look forward to the day that you’ll be able to call the game ahead 60 points against the Swans or maybe against the Lions.”

Asked about polling in Lyons, Mr Dutton said: We do lots of polling — I think Franklin is a prospective seat for us. I think the Labor Party’s taken that for granted for way too long.

“Ultimately (Lyons candidate) Susie Bower is up against Anthony Albanese. If we win the seat of Lyons, we get rid of Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister.”

Senator Wendy Askew, Sorrell Mayor Janet Gatehouse, Hon Peter Dutton MP and Susie Bower at Sorell Mens Shed. Picture: Caroline Tan

Franklin Labor MP Julie Collins said Mr Dutton opposed tax cuts, was “arrogant and would be “reckless” for Tasmanians.

Mr Dutton said there was “zero prospect” of Labor winning majority at the 2025 election.

“They can only govern in concert with Adam Bandt and the Greens, and Tasmanians know what a disaster that is for the local economy, the loss of jobs,” he said.

“We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to clean up a Labor mess, but we can only do that if we get a majority in the lower house and we do that by winning the seat of Lyons.”

Mr Dutton did not weigh into the Spirit of Tasmania debacle but said the Rockliff government was determined to “do their best for Tasmania”.

Sorell mayor Janet Gatehouse described Mr Dutton’s funding promise of $2.25m for a cultural community precinct at Sorell as “incredibly exciting and a game-changer for the community”.

Originally published as Peter Dutton backs Macquarie Point stadium and hopes for better financial deal