Premier seeks advice on alternative approval process for stadium

The premier has responded to concerns the government may consider special legislation to bypass planning laws and get the stadium built.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Question time in the House of Assembly. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has admitted to seeking advice on whether the government can bypass the special planning process it put in place to approve the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.

The government passed legislation in 2022 to create a special “project of state significance” process to bypass regular planning rules.

But after a damning report from the independent expert panel looking into the proposal was released on Monday, Mr Rockliff has said he is now seeing if he can bypass that process too.

Such a move would reminiscent of Labor’s Pulp Mill Assessment Amendment Bill of 2014, although that controversial project did not go ahead.

“I’m considering the options,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Given the significance of this project for Tasmania and Tasmanians, yes, I have sought advice and why wouldn’t I? Why wouldn’t I?

“We’re committed to the process we’re going through now, at the end of the day the POSS process or enabling legislation through this parliament are about the same.

“What I’m about is ensuring that we get this job done in and we get a Tasmanian team in the AFL and AFLW.”

There are concerns the stadium may not be approved in time to meet deadlines set by the AFL.

Labor said it would back Tasmania’s bid for AFL and AFLW teams and vote in favour of the stadium.

Josh Willie Labor member for Clark. Project. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Opposition Treasury spokesman Josh Willie said Labor’s support was unconditional regardless of whether the government addressed serious concerns raised by the Planning Commission, the eventual cost, or any other adverse matter because of the importance of having a football team.

“We’ll support the stadium through the parliament, because Tasmania has fought for these teams for generations,” Mr Willie said.

“Any politician saying they don’t support the stadium but they support the teams, is being dishonest with Tasmanians.

“It’s very important that Premier Rockliff addresses some of the concerns of the Planning Commission, and that he comes to Parliament and outlines how he’s going to deliver on his promises to Tasmanians.

“If there is no stadium, there will be no team, not now, not ever, and that would be a national embarrassment.”

Greens leader Doctor Rosalie Woodruff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said it has been a long time since Labor stood for anything.

“Labor have had form of not taking a stand on issues the whole time I’ve been in parliament,” she said.

“For the last 10 years, they’ve never held a position that has been a controversial and stayed there. They have never stayed the course.

“It is a sad indictment for Tasmanians that they have a Liberal and Labor Party who are lock stepped together, cutting out Tasmanians voices and being prepared to junk a process which — as substandard as it is — gave a semblance of an opportunity for Tasmanians to have a say.”

Independent MP Kristie Johnston said the premier’s revelation was concerning.

“It says that this Premier will deliver an AFL stadium no matter what the cost is to Tasmania,” she said.

“He’s prepared to throw democratic, proper planning processes under the bus to deliver an AFL stadium.

“He’s prepared to plunge Tasmania into further financial turmoil, he doesn’t care what the experts say around this, and most importantly, he doesn’t care what Tasmanians say about this project — he wants to deliver for the AFL their stadium.”

Originally published as Premier seeks advice on alternative approval process for stadium