Greens back anti-stadium petition

The Greens are backing a petition calling on the state government to leave the assessment of plans for a Macquarie Point stadium to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Greens MPs Vica Bayley, Cassy O'Connor, Helen Burnet and petitioner Janice Overett speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The Greens are backing a petition calling on the state government to leave the assessment of plans for a Macquarie Point stadium to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

The petition to the Legislative Council says multiple reports have highlighted significant risks of the stadium build, including major cost blowouts, substantially increased state debt, and a potential credit downgrade.

It calls on the government to continue with the Project of State Significance Assessment process, reject attempts to discredit independent expert evidence and renegotiate the AFL deal.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced the stadium approval will be the subject of special legislation to be considered by both Houses of Parliament.

“Tasmanians, who are angered and dismayed at the announcement of special enabling legislation to approve the Macquarie Point stadium, will have the opportunity to send a direct message to the Legislative Council,” Ms O’Connor said on Tuesday.

“With Labor’s craven and complete capitulation to the Liberals, and their agreeing that they’ll approve this stadium regardless of the cost and risk, the role of the Legislative Council will be extremely important.

“This petition calls on the Legislative Councillors to reject the approval legislation allow the independent planning system and process to run its course.”

Macquarie Point multipurpose stadium south west gate. Picture: Mac Point Development Corporation

Lead petitioner Janice Overett said she was determined to give stadium opponents a voice in the process.

“By submitting this petition, I’m hoping to give a voice to 60 per cent of Tasmanians who do not support taking on the financial burden of yet another stadium, especially one that is likely to exceed budget expectations and is planned for an unsuitable location,” she said.

“Tasmania already has a high-quality stadium in Launceston, currently undergoing $130m upgrade.

“There is simply no need to commit further public funds to a new facility.

“The Premier had no mandate to accept the AFL conditions terms no other state has been required to meet, including the demand for a roofed stadium.

“We absolutely, I absolutely support having a Tasmanian AFL team, but let’s focus on making that a reality first, without plunging the state into further debt.”

Ms O’Connor said she had been doorknocking as part of the Greens’ federal campaign and the stadium was one of the top issues people were raising.

“If Jeremy Rockliff could grow a backbone and go back to the AFL and say, ‘on reflection, your terms are unacceptable’,” she said.

“We’ve earned this team, and we’re seeking an opportunity to renegotiate the deal.

‘There’s also a risk here to the AFL brand demanding of a small state like Tasmania a stadium that’s going to cost us $1.5bn at least, which is enormously unpopular, which has corrupted the legislative process.

“Does the AFL really want to be part of that?”

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz described the petition as “a stunt”.

“The PoSS project always required a vote in the Parliament as the ultimate decision maker, and this vote will still take place,” he said.

“The Greens are fundamentally opposed to the stadium and will do anything to stand in its way: blocking jobs, opportunity and economic activity for our State, like they always do.

“The agreement is clear: No stadium, no AFL team. It’s time for the Greens to accept that.”