RSL Tasmania: Lenah Valley sub-branch says stadium vigil an inappropriate ‘political protest’

A sub-branch of RSL Tasmania has spoken out against the organisation’s public stance on the Hobart stadium, slamming the decision to hold a vigil at the Cenotaph the day before Remembrance Day.

Detailed plans for Hobart’s new AFL stadium have revealed a $60m cost blowout, high visual impacts and negative cost-benefit analysis, but mark a significant milestone in advancing the project. Picture: Supplied

An RSL Tasmania sub-branch has revolted over the organisation’s public stance against the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, labelling a vigil planned for the Cenotaph in the lead-up to Remembrance Day a “political protest” that would amount to the “desecration” of a sacred place.

The president of the Lenah Valley sub-branch, Andy McShane, said he had considered resigning from his position due to being at odds with the state branch regarding the stadium but decided he was more likely to be able to effect change by having “greater conversations from within the organisation”.

His comments come after Tasman Mayor and RSL member Rod Macdonald spoke out against the group’s position on the stadium and long-time member Marc Newton quit because of a “lack of transparency on questions asked” relating to the Macquarie Point project.

Andy McShane, president RSL Lenah Valley. He is disappointed in the RSL-backed 'vigil' involving the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra on November 10, the day before Remembrance Day. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The RSL has said the stadium would impede on vital sight lines from the Cenotaph and therefore would be an affront to veterans and the families of those who have lost their lives in war.

Mr McShane said RSL Tasmania’s decision to hold a vigil with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra on November 10 could potentially “draw further protest action” at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.

“A Cenotaph, to me, is sacred ground. Because it represents the burial site of all of those soldiers who lie in battlefields in unmarked graves,” he said.

“So any desecration of that by a political protest – whether it’s on or near the 11th [of November] or otherwise – would certainly raise my hackles.

“The fact that it is the day before is obviously a ploy by the organisers of the protest to bring the most media attention to their protest.”

Mr McShane said it was imperative that RSL Tasmania conducted a survey of all veterans in the state, who the organisation is obliged to represent in addition to members, according to its constitution.

He said he may attempt to rally other sub-branches to call for a special general meeting of RSL Tasmania to discuss the stadium. Five of the 45 sub-branches need to call for a meeting in order to force the state branch’s hand.

CEO of RSL Tasmania John Hardy at Hobart Cenotaph. Picture: Linda Higginson.

While Mr McShane said he and his sub-branch had “registered our displeasure” with the state branch, RSL Tasmania CEO John Hardy said the Lenah Valley president hadn’t “raised any concern to his regional director” and had merely emailed the members of his own sub-branch.

“The vigil has nothing to do with Remembrance Day. They’re not on the same dates. The board had a look at this, and were happy to run with this because it’s a different day,” he said.

“We aren’t politicising it … everybody has been invited, and they’re welcome to come along, enjoy the music, and enjoy the day.”

Mr Hardy said he was merely following the directions of the RSL Tasmania board and stressed that there would be no political speakers, banners, or placards at the vigil.

“There’ll be no mention of a stadium and no mention of [sight lines],” he said.