Labor leader Dean Winter demands Mac Point stadium answers
Labor leader Dean Winter is searching for answers on the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, including where extra money is coming from and if there will be a roof. His party’s demands >
Tasmania
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Labor leader Dean Winter has written to the Premier outlining a series of concerns he has about the government’s handling of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium — and demanding a briefing on the project.
Mr Winter has asked Premier Rockliff how the government is going to pay for the stadium, whether or not it will have a roof and how enabling legislation will work.
“I want to see a stadium built, and I want it to be the best project for Tasmania it can be,” Mr Winter wrote.
“I’m offering to work in good faith to make that happen, and I’m hopeful you can do the same.”
Labor had pledged its unconditional support for the stadium being approved by parliament to ensure that the state gets AFL and AFLW teams.
The state government is preparing legislation to speed up the project, curtailing the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s Project of State Significance assessment.
Mr Rockliff has pledged the government will contribute $375m to the stadium and “not a red cent more”.
The federal government is kicking in $240m and the AFL $15m — leaving a $329m shortfall on the $959m latest estimated cost.
Mr Winter said he wanted the Premier to explain the project in more detail.
“When I receive the briefing, I expect you to provide a detailed breakdown of the cost of the project, including all components proposed to be incorporated into the Bill,” Mr Winter wrote.
“It would be entirely inconsistent with your promise to the people of Tasmania if you presented funding by the MPDC or a private financing arrangement as anything other than Tasmanian taxpayers’ money, or money they must pay back.”
An interview by Infrastructure Minister Eric Abetz on ABC radio on Monday appeared to reopen debate on the stadium’s roof.
Mr Winter said it was troubling, given this appeared to be a condition of the contract signed with the AFL
“I am now entirely unclear as to your government’s position in relation to the stadium roof,” he said.
“Is it a requirement of your agreement with the AFL or not? If it is a requirement, why is your Minister suggesting Parliament could simply remove it in the debate?”
Also on Tuesday, Independent MP Craig Garland called for a referendum to give ordinary Tasmanians a say on the stadium.
“A referendum is for all Tasmanians, regardless of their views, and it is possible to support a team and be against the stadium, despite the propaganda from the Liberal Party,” he said.
“What I am seeing is that many people are reaching out to me to express their frustration at the government for being ignored.”
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Originally published as Labor leader Dean Winter demands Mac Point stadium answers
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