RSL rejects stadium plan over impact on Cenotaph

After “extensive consultation” with RSL Tasmania’s membership, the CEO has shared why they’ve decided to reject the construction of an AFL stadium in Hobart. FIND OUT WHY >>

TASMANIA’S RSL has announced its opposition to the construction of an AFL stadium at Macquarie Point because of the project’s impact on the Hobart Cenotaph as a place of sacred reflection.

RSL Tasmania CEO John Hardy has written to Premier Jeremy Rockliff saying that after extensive consultation the RSL’s membership did not support the stadium.

“I must inform you as the CEO of RSL Tasmania State Branch that I have been instructed by the President, Board Directors. and Sub-Branches that we opposed to the stadium at Macquarie Point due to the environmental and cultural impact on our world-class Cenotaph,” Mr Hardy wrote.

“RSL Tasmania is supportive of the AFL, and of a stadium or stadiums in Tasmania. but not at such a site of such cultural impact.”

The state government and the AFL are spruiking plans to construct a $750m covered multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point. Construction of the stadium is now a condition of the state being granted an AFL licence for its own team.

John Hardy CEO of RSL Tasmania at the Hobart cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day 2022. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In its letter to Mr Rockliff, RSL Tasmania said Cenotaph has long been a place of sacred reflection on the cost of armed conflict — and its status was not negotiable for veterans.

“All they and their families have ever asked is that we remember them, whether in wellbeing support for our living veterans or a place to gather to remember to commemorate in recognition of their service.

“For RSL Tasmania, there must never be anything more sacred, more sacrosanct than this.”

Labor’s shadow minister for veteran’s affairs Jen Butler called on the premier to heed the message from the RSL.

“The treatment of our veterans throughout process has been nothing short of disrespectful.” she said.

“Our veterans, past and present, deserve to be respected and listened to by this Liberal Government.

“Tasmanian veterans, and the veteran community, are sick of being ignored. Their overwhelming opposition to the stadium being built at Macquarie Point can no longer be disregarded by the Premier.”

In state Parliament this morning, Mr Rockliff said he would work with the RSL to ensure their concerns were taken into account.

“There is no greater supporter of our veterans than our government. We have the deepest respect for our servicemen and woman for what they have given for our country and the sacrifices that have made on behalf of all of us,” he said.

“We will sit down in a very respectful way and work through any concerns the RSL may have and see how their concerns may be accommodated.”

Originally published as RSL rejects stadium plan over impact on Cenotaph