Tasmania politics: Macquarie Point stadium bill tabled in parliament

The state government has tabled legislation to fast-track construction of a stadium at Macquarie Point — a fortnight before public consultation closes, sparking the ire of opposition MPs.

Eric Abetz and Macquarie Point stadium

The state government has tabled legislation to allow the construction of a stadium at Macquarie Point — before public consultation on the draft bill has closed.

The move was described as “dictatorial” and “an outrageous sham” by dissenting MPs.

The Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 is intended to “to give effect to a permit for a stadium at Macquarie Point, Hobart, to make provision for further permits to be issued in respect of access roads to the stadium and related developments, to acquire land for such an access road and for related purposes”.

Public consultation on a draft of the legislation is open until June 16.

A government spokeswoman said there was nothing unusual about tabling bills before public consultation was complete.

“The Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 has been tabled in accordance with standing orders,” she said.

“If any changes are required following public consultation, the government will have the opportunity to amend the bill in parliament.”

Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley and Greens leader Doctor Rosalie Woodruff. Tasmanian house of assembly question time. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley said the move was a shock.

“The Liberals shocked MPs by tabling the stadium approval bill today – almost a fortnight before public consultation on the so-called draft even closes,” he said.

“The Premier is drunk on power and treats Tasmanians with contempt.

“Jeremy Rockliff does not care what people think about their fast-tracked stadium folly.

“This move says everything about the Liberals’ approach to this divisive billion dollar plus project.

”First it was the premier who brought forward the POSS process to override proper planning assessment.

“Then he sought to discredit the TPC when he didn’t hear what he wanted. Now it’s tabling the final approval bill while his draft is still open for public comment.

“It’s never been clearer that the community’s comments don’t matter to this premier.”

MLC Meg Webb.

Independent member for Nelson Meg Webb described the tabling as “an outrageous sham”.

“The Rockliff government tabling the Macquarie Point Permit Bill in the parliament despite public consultation still open on the exposure draft is a kick in the teeth to all Tasmanians who had engaged in that process in good faith,” Ms Webb said.

“This is the behaviour of arrogant dictators, not elected representatives seeking to work with the community.

“Last Tuesday Minister Abetz issued a media release inviting Tasmanians to participate in public consultation on the draft Bill, with feedback due by the end of Monday, June 16.

“Barely seven days later a Bill which appears to be virtually the same as the consultation draft is formally introduced into the parliament.”

Originally published as Tasmania politics: Macquarie Point stadium bill tabled in parliament