Question Time: Government grilled on stadium

The proposed Mac Point Stadium has once again been the subject of intense questioning in parliament. Here’s the latest from Question Time.

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

For the latest political news, straight from Tasmanian parliament, check out the Mercury’s live Question Time blog.

‘Not a red cent more’: Stadium scrutinised during Question Time

The proposed Macquarie Point Stadium has once again been the subject of intense questioning in parliament, a day after an application for the stadium was lodged with the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Renders showing the relocated Goods Shed at Macquarie Point, to make way for a multipurpose stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture

The Greens and independent Kristie Johnston grilled the Premier about how the project would be funded, and whether key technical documents would be publicly released.

Mr Rockliff said the government would not spend “a red cent” more than the $375 million it has already committed to the high-profile project.

“There will be investors that will invest in this project and the Macquarie Point precinct, and it will be an example of intergenerational infrastructure that will grow our economy,” Mr Rockliff said in response to a Greens’ question about whether the Macquarie Point Development Corporation would have to borrow money to pay for the stadium.

Ms Johnston said her constituents in Clark were deeply concerned about the “social, environmental and economic impact” of the stadium, and asked whether crucial pieces of information – such as quantity surveyor reports – would be made publicly available.

“My advice is that it wasn’t part of the requirements for the [Tasmanian Planning Commission] submission,” the Premier responded.

“Ms Johnston, I respect your views that you bring to this place.

“But you really need to get out a little more amongst your electorate and talk to the people and talk to the people and the young people, particularly out there in the northern suburbs and elsewhere, who love footy … and who want a pathway and be part of something very special.”

International investment in Tasmania should not be “demonised”, Premier says

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said international investment in Tasmanian industries should not be “demonised”, as he faced questions about the Robbins Island wind farm, and proposed changes to state coastal policy legislation which are currently being considered by Parliament.

After Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff asked why the Legislative Council had withdrawn discussion on the Bill last night – and about Robbins Island investor ACEN – Mr Rockliff said his government welcomed international support for Tasmania’s renewable energy, mining, and aquaculture sectors.

“I’m interested in some of your commentary around multinationals and demonising investment in Tasmania,” the Premier told Dr Woodruff.

“We welcome investment in Tasmania … whether that be local investors, national investors,

or international investors.

“Because when people invest in Tasmania, they employ Tasmanians.”

Labor member for Bass, Janie Finlay, said the government’s handling of the Robbins Island project had ’shattered’ the state’s reputation as a destination for renewable energy investment.

“The situation with Robbins Island wind farm development is a total mess because of the inaction of your government over the past seven years, and the stalling of your proposed coastal policy changes last night is just the latest stuff up and is a diabolical for the project,” Ms Finlay told the Premier.

“What are you going to do to finally get Robbins Island approved?”

Mr Rockliff said his government was committed to getting the Robbins Island project completed.

“I’ve visited Robbins Island with Minister Nick Duigan, which was enlightening in terms of the knowledge gained,” the Premier said.

“We will get on with the job when it comes to renewable energy development.

“Of course, the honourable member may be aware of the Commonwealth legislation called the EPBC Act, which is a real staller when it comes to development in Tasmania.

“And we want to see action at the Commonwealth level in terms of smoother pathways for renewable energy developments in Tasmania.”

Premier questioned on TasPorts executive bonuses

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said decisions on the “way forward” for the upgrade of Devonport’s Berth 1 are ongoing, after he was asked if TasPorts staff had been offered bonuses for getting the key infrastructure project completed on time.

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

Opposition Leader Dean Winter asked the Premier whether he could confirm that “executives and senior managers at TasPorts have been offered bonus payments if the upgrades of Berth 1 are completed on time and another, if works are completed ahead of schedule?”

The Premier committed to informing parliament of any financial arrangements once the project had been finalised.

“I’m happy to update the House when a decision on the way forward is made, and then the detail, including matters that the honourable member seeks to ask and seeks answers for,” Mr Rockliff said.

Auslan interpreters recognised in parliament

The Tasmanian parliament has today recognised the upcoming International Day of Sign Language and National Week of Deaf People by inviting an Auslan interpreter onto the floor of the House of Representatives.

“I want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to the Auslan interpreters who stood alongside our government and public health officials and all Tasmanians providing essential real time communication to Tasmania’s deaf and hard of hearing community,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

Originally published as Question Time: Government grilled on stadium