Labor says stadium jobs must go to locals after concept plan revealed

The state government must do all it can to ensure Tasmanians are the ones who build the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, Opposition leader Dean Winter says. Here’s why.

Renders of Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture. **Hobart stadium, Mac Point stadium, new Tasmania AFL stadium

The state government must do all it can to ensure Tasmanians are the ones who build the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, Opposition leader Dean Winter says.

Speaking after concept plans for the stadium were revealed at the weekend, Mr Winter said ensuring the benefit of the construction was shared among Tasmania workers was extremely important.

“With the Bridgewater Bridge at the moment even the government’s own statistics are showing that 20 per cent of the workforce there are from outside of Tasmania and we think that number is actually probably much higher,” he said.

Labor leader Dean Winter.

“So we want to see a local procurement plan that makes sure that Tasmanian companies are given every opportunity to work on this project. They might not be as the lead contractor, but certainly in sub contracting and contracting roles, making sure that local workers are getting first opportunity to work on this site.”

The economic importance of major developments for the civil construction workforce could not be overstated, Mr Winter said.

“In Tasmania at the moment we’ve got two very large projects set to conclude next year the Bridgewater bridge and also UTas’ Forestry development in the city.

“In both of these occasions, we want to make sure that every Tasmanian worker on that site is able to move straight over to the stadium development.

“The stadium is not just about a football team – although that is absolutely fantastic and we can’t wait to see that happen — but it’s also about the construction and economic activity that that will bring.

“Unfortunately, over the last 12 months 5000 jobs have been lost from our economy.

“We are seeing an economic slowdown, and projects like this one are great for the economy. “They do allow for Tasmanian construction workers to move from the existing projects to the next one.

“Unfortunately we’ve seen examples in the in the recent past, particularly with the Royal Hobart Hospital development where we saw hundreds of workers coming into the state, not Tasmanians.

L-R: Simon Behrakis, Cumulus Studio Director Peter Walker, Sports and Events Minister Nic Street, Arts minister Madeleine Ogilvie, CEO of Macquarie Point Development Corporation Anne Beach and Director of Cox Architecture Alastair Richardson at the Stadium plan announcement at Macquarie Point. Picture: Linda Higginson

Liberal backbencher Simon Behrakis told Mr Winter to butt out.

“Labor obviously is hoping Tasmanians have short memories,” he said.

“A little over a year ago, Labor said they would do everything they could to stop the stadium.

“Now they have the barefaced cheek to lecture the Government on how to deliver it. Fair go Dean.

“Mr Winter can put out as many media releases as he likes saying he supports jobs, but “Tasmanians know Labor can’t be trusted.”