Federal Group's Daniel Hanna raises cost concerns about Macquarie Point stadium
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Tasmania's biggest employers, the Federal Group, has expressed concerns about the 'uncertain and significant' cost of the Macquarie Point stadium after polling showed community opposition to fast-tracking the project.
The statewide EMRS polling, commissioned by Federal, also showed that of those polled more than two-thirds, or 70 per cent, were opposed to the state government spending more than its cap of $375m on the stadium.
Of the 878 Tasmanians polled in mid April, 50 per cent opposed the government withdrawing from the Project of State Significance process while 24 per cent supported the move.
It comes as the government announced this week that there would be no private investment in the stadium and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation would borrow cash and sell land to make up the shortfall, which is expected to be hundreds of millions of dollars.
Federal's executive general manager, corporate and regulatory affairs, Dr Daniel Hanna said that the poll results should give the Tasmanian government pause for thought on their proposed fast-track stadium legislation.
'The results clearly demonstrate that Tasmanians hold concerns about this proposed stadium, especially the uncertain but significant costs,' he said.
'The proposed stadium is already a very divisive project, abandoning the Tasmanian Planning Commission process in favour of fast-track legislation will make that division even worse.
'Every developer in Tasmania must comply with the existing laws and processes, the Tasmanian community clearly wants the Tasmanian government to play by the same rules.
'The research supports the Tasmanian government reconsidering their position and continuing with the Tasmanian Planning Commission process.'
Dr Hanna said the polling was commissioned to 'inform' Federal's submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which it has not made public.
'We wanted to understand the views of the Tasmanian population about issues related to the cost and process followed, and whether some of the concerns we have were more widely held,' he said.
'We have submitted a comprehensive submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission that outlines our concerns about this proposed stadium.
'These concerns have been held for some time and nothing we have seen recently has reduced these concerns.
'Our concerns centre on the proposed location, the significant costs to the state budget, the process followed, and the lack of consultation from the proponent.
'Having said that, we strongly support Tasmania having its own AFL team.'
The polling results show that 62 per cent believe the Opposition and independent MPs should oppose the fast-track legislation if the spending cap is breached.
Participants were asked if they agreed or disagreed with withdrawing from the POSS project, whether they agreed or disagreed that the Tasmanian government should spend more than its announced $375m and, if the government proposed to go beyond the spending cap of $375m, should the Opposition and independents oppose the special stadium legislation being introduced into parliament.
Federal employs about 2000 people and owns both the MACq 01 and Henry Jones Art Hotel near to the proposed stadium.
QUESTIONS FROM EMRS POLL ON MAC POINT STADIUM:
'The Tasmanian Government recently announced its decision to withdraw from the Tasmanian Planning Commission Projects of State Significance process. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?'
Strongly agree – 14%
Somewhat agree – 11%
Neutral – 14%
Somewhat disagree – 11%
Strongly disagree – 38%
NET Agree 24%; NET Disagree 50%
'Would you agree or disagree that the Tasmanian Government should spend more than its announced $375m?'
Strongly agree – 12%
Somewhat agree – 9%
Neutral – 8%
Somewhat disagree – 12%
Strongly disagree – 57%
NET Agree 21%; NET Disagree 70%
'In your opinion, if the Tasmanian government proposed to go beyond the spending cap of $375m should the Tasmanian opposition and independents oppose the special stadium legislation being introduced into parliament?'
Yes – 62%
No – 25%
Unsure – 13%
susan.bailey@news.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Archer fires an early shot amid state political turmoil
A former federal Liberal maverick has put her hand up to run in a looming state election, as the opposition likens the premier to a spoiled brat. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to stand down after parliament passed a vote of no-confidence, led by state Labor leader Dean Winter, over the state budget. The starter's gun is yet to be fired on voters heading back to the polls, but the premier could pull the trigger as early as Tuesday. Mr Rockliff wheeled out former federal MP Bridget Archer on Sunday, revealing she would seek preselection for the state seat of Bass. In May, Ms Archer lost her federal seat of Bass to teacher and first-time federal candidate Jess Teesdale after a 9.4 per cent swing against her. Ms Archer admitted the federal election had been "bruising" and she hadn't had time to completely process it. "Do I want to go out and fight another election? No, I don't," she told reporters. "I suspect the people of Tasmania don't want to be going to another election but the reckless and selfish actions of Dean Winter ... have sent us to this situation." The former George Town mayor has been one of the most prominent Liberal moderates in Canberra since 2019 and repeatedly crossed the floor to vote against her own party. Reflecting on her election defeat, Ms Archer said she "wore the consequences" of the Liberals' failure to deal with some of the issues she spoke out against. The 50-year-old denied she was in danger of jumping from one sinking ship to another and vowed not to shy away from her views if elected to state parliament. "I'm not going to be anybody's stooge or anybody's puppet," she said. "I am going to say exactly what I think." Mr Rockliff described Ms Archer as a "fighter" and was categoric he would lead the party to the election. "Dean Winter's guaranteed the election," he said, adding an election date would be determined in the coming week. The election would be Tasmania's fourth in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The Labor leader is continuing to call for Mr Rockliff to stand aside instead of calling another election. "He's carrying on at the moment like a spoiled child that's been given out in a game of cricket," Mr Winter said. "And then instead of just accepting the umpire's decision he's picking up his bat and ball and going home." Amid the political turmoil, Mr Rockliff has ordered prominent economist Saul Eslake not to prepare a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. Mr Winter said he didn't believe Mr Rockliff's commitment not to pursue privatisation, declaring the premier would "say anything" to cling to power. A planned $945 million stadium for Hobart has also been caught in the crossfire of the political chaos. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of the deal to issue a 19th AFL team licence for the Tasmania Devils. Both major party leaders support the proposed stadium but special legislation to grant it planning approval has been thrown off course by the motion. Mr Winter took aim at "interstate footy people" for driving a narrative his intervention was "all about the stadium". "If these interstate commentators want to try make this all about a stadium they are severely mistaken," he said. "Tasmanians have got higher priorities." Tasmanian AFL legends Nick and Jack Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson and Brendon Gale have publicly lamented the uncertainty surrounding the stadium and team. Firebrand Senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A former federal Liberal maverick has put her hand up to run in a looming state election, as the opposition likens the premier to a spoiled brat. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to stand down after parliament passed a vote of no-confidence, led by state Labor leader Dean Winter, over the state budget. The starter's gun is yet to be fired on voters heading back to the polls, but the premier could pull the trigger as early as Tuesday. Mr Rockliff wheeled out former federal MP Bridget Archer on Sunday, revealing she would seek preselection for the state seat of Bass. In May, Ms Archer lost her federal seat of Bass to teacher and first-time federal candidate Jess Teesdale after a 9.4 per cent swing against her. Ms Archer admitted the federal election had been "bruising" and she hadn't had time to completely process it. "Do I want to go out and fight another election? No, I don't," she told reporters. "I suspect the people of Tasmania don't want to be going to another election but the reckless and selfish actions of Dean Winter ... have sent us to this situation." The former George Town mayor has been one of the most prominent Liberal moderates in Canberra since 2019 and repeatedly crossed the floor to vote against her own party. Reflecting on her election defeat, Ms Archer said she "wore the consequences" of the Liberals' failure to deal with some of the issues she spoke out against. The 50-year-old denied she was in danger of jumping from one sinking ship to another and vowed not to shy away from her views if elected to state parliament. "I'm not going to be anybody's stooge or anybody's puppet," she said. "I am going to say exactly what I think." Mr Rockliff described Ms Archer as a "fighter" and was categoric he would lead the party to the election. "Dean Winter's guaranteed the election," he said, adding an election date would be determined in the coming week. The election would be Tasmania's fourth in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The Labor leader is continuing to call for Mr Rockliff to stand aside instead of calling another election. "He's carrying on at the moment like a spoiled child that's been given out in a game of cricket," Mr Winter said. "And then instead of just accepting the umpire's decision he's picking up his bat and ball and going home." Amid the political turmoil, Mr Rockliff has ordered prominent economist Saul Eslake not to prepare a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. Mr Winter said he didn't believe Mr Rockliff's commitment not to pursue privatisation, declaring the premier would "say anything" to cling to power. A planned $945 million stadium for Hobart has also been caught in the crossfire of the political chaos. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of the deal to issue a 19th AFL team licence for the Tasmania Devils. Both major party leaders support the proposed stadium but special legislation to grant it planning approval has been thrown off course by the motion. Mr Winter took aim at "interstate footy people" for driving a narrative his intervention was "all about the stadium". "If these interstate commentators want to try make this all about a stadium they are severely mistaken," he said. "Tasmanians have got higher priorities." Tasmanian AFL legends Nick and Jack Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson and Brendon Gale have publicly lamented the uncertainty surrounding the stadium and team. Firebrand Senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A former federal Liberal maverick has put her hand up to run in a looming state election, as the opposition likens the premier to a spoiled brat. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to stand down after parliament passed a vote of no-confidence, led by state Labor leader Dean Winter, over the state budget. The starter's gun is yet to be fired on voters heading back to the polls, but the premier could pull the trigger as early as Tuesday. Mr Rockliff wheeled out former federal MP Bridget Archer on Sunday, revealing she would seek preselection for the state seat of Bass. In May, Ms Archer lost her federal seat of Bass to teacher and first-time federal candidate Jess Teesdale after a 9.4 per cent swing against her. Ms Archer admitted the federal election had been "bruising" and she hadn't had time to completely process it. "Do I want to go out and fight another election? No, I don't," she told reporters. "I suspect the people of Tasmania don't want to be going to another election but the reckless and selfish actions of Dean Winter ... have sent us to this situation." The former George Town mayor has been one of the most prominent Liberal moderates in Canberra since 2019 and repeatedly crossed the floor to vote against her own party. Reflecting on her election defeat, Ms Archer said she "wore the consequences" of the Liberals' failure to deal with some of the issues she spoke out against. The 50-year-old denied she was in danger of jumping from one sinking ship to another and vowed not to shy away from her views if elected to state parliament. "I'm not going to be anybody's stooge or anybody's puppet," she said. "I am going to say exactly what I think." Mr Rockliff described Ms Archer as a "fighter" and was categoric he would lead the party to the election. "Dean Winter's guaranteed the election," he said, adding an election date would be determined in the coming week. The election would be Tasmania's fourth in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The Labor leader is continuing to call for Mr Rockliff to stand aside instead of calling another election. "He's carrying on at the moment like a spoiled child that's been given out in a game of cricket," Mr Winter said. "And then instead of just accepting the umpire's decision he's picking up his bat and ball and going home." Amid the political turmoil, Mr Rockliff has ordered prominent economist Saul Eslake not to prepare a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. Mr Winter said he didn't believe Mr Rockliff's commitment not to pursue privatisation, declaring the premier would "say anything" to cling to power. A planned $945 million stadium for Hobart has also been caught in the crossfire of the political chaos. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of the deal to issue a 19th AFL team licence for the Tasmania Devils. Both major party leaders support the proposed stadium but special legislation to grant it planning approval has been thrown off course by the motion. Mr Winter took aim at "interstate footy people" for driving a narrative his intervention was "all about the stadium". "If these interstate commentators want to try make this all about a stadium they are severely mistaken," he said. "Tasmanians have got higher priorities." Tasmanian AFL legends Nick and Jack Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson and Brendon Gale have publicly lamented the uncertainty surrounding the stadium and team. Firebrand Senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project. A former federal Liberal maverick has put her hand up to run in a looming state election, as the opposition likens the premier to a spoiled brat. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to stand down after parliament passed a vote of no-confidence, led by state Labor leader Dean Winter, over the state budget. The starter's gun is yet to be fired on voters heading back to the polls, but the premier could pull the trigger as early as Tuesday. Mr Rockliff wheeled out former federal MP Bridget Archer on Sunday, revealing she would seek preselection for the state seat of Bass. In May, Ms Archer lost her federal seat of Bass to teacher and first-time federal candidate Jess Teesdale after a 9.4 per cent swing against her. Ms Archer admitted the federal election had been "bruising" and she hadn't had time to completely process it. "Do I want to go out and fight another election? No, I don't," she told reporters. "I suspect the people of Tasmania don't want to be going to another election but the reckless and selfish actions of Dean Winter ... have sent us to this situation." The former George Town mayor has been one of the most prominent Liberal moderates in Canberra since 2019 and repeatedly crossed the floor to vote against her own party. Reflecting on her election defeat, Ms Archer said she "wore the consequences" of the Liberals' failure to deal with some of the issues she spoke out against. The 50-year-old denied she was in danger of jumping from one sinking ship to another and vowed not to shy away from her views if elected to state parliament. "I'm not going to be anybody's stooge or anybody's puppet," she said. "I am going to say exactly what I think." Mr Rockliff described Ms Archer as a "fighter" and was categoric he would lead the party to the election. "Dean Winter's guaranteed the election," he said, adding an election date would be determined in the coming week. The election would be Tasmania's fourth in seven years, unless the Liberal party opts to remove Mr Rockliff and negotiate a new deal with crossbenchers. Mr Winter has ruled out forming government in a deal with the Greens, without whom Labor doesn't have the numbers. The Labor leader is continuing to call for Mr Rockliff to stand aside instead of calling another election. "He's carrying on at the moment like a spoiled child that's been given out in a game of cricket," Mr Winter said. "And then instead of just accepting the umpire's decision he's picking up his bat and ball and going home." Amid the political turmoil, Mr Rockliff has ordered prominent economist Saul Eslake not to prepare a report on viable opportunities to sell government-owned businesses to support Tasmania's troubled finances. Mr Winter said he didn't believe Mr Rockliff's commitment not to pursue privatisation, declaring the premier would "say anything" to cling to power. A planned $945 million stadium for Hobart has also been caught in the crossfire of the political chaos. The roofed Macquarie Point proposal is a condition of the deal to issue a 19th AFL team licence for the Tasmania Devils. Both major party leaders support the proposed stadium but special legislation to grant it planning approval has been thrown off course by the motion. Mr Winter took aim at "interstate footy people" for driving a narrative his intervention was "all about the stadium". "If these interstate commentators want to try make this all about a stadium they are severely mistaken," he said. "Tasmanians have got higher priorities." Tasmanian AFL legends Nick and Jack Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson and Brendon Gale have publicly lamented the uncertainty surrounding the stadium and team. Firebrand Senator Jacqui Lambie, independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie and acclaimed author Richard Flanagan are among well-known Tasmanians who oppose the project.
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
National Guard being deployed to Los Angeles after immigration raids spark violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement
The US National Guard is being deployed to Los Angeles after immigration enforcement raids sparked violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Federal agents faced off against demonstrators for a second day in a row on Saturday (local time), leading President Donald Trump to order the deployment of the National Guard. Dozens of law enforcement personnel dressed in riot gear engaged in a tense confrontation with protesters in the Paramount area of southeast Los Angeles after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids as part of the Trump administration's pledge to deport record numbers of illegal immigrants. President Trump condemned the action as a 'form of rebellion' as he announced 2,000 National Guard personnel would be deployed for up to 60 days. 'Numerous incidents of violence and disorder have recently occurred and threaten to continue in response to the enforcement of Federal law by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions and supporting the faithful execution of Federal immigration laws,' President Trump said 'To the extent that protests or acts of violence directly inhibit the execution of the laws, they constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.' President Trump has placed the National Guard, which is usually a state-based military force, under the command of Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth for the duration of their deployment. 'To carry out this mission, the deployed military personnel may perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Federal personnel and property,' the President's order states. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that "1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer funded property." Footage from the clashes show dozens of green-uniformed security personnel with gas masks lined up on a road strewn with overturned shopping carts as small canisters exploded into gas clouds. One protester said the demonstration showed federal officials 'they cannot go to anywhere in this country where our people are, and try to kidnap our workers, our people'. 'They cannot do that without an organised and fierce resistance," said protester Ron Gochez, 44. At least one burnt-out car could be seen among the chaotic scenes, as some demonstrators displayed Mexican flags and others covered their mouths with respiratory masks. The first clashes erupted in LA on Friday night (local time) after ICE officials carried out raids and arrested at least 44 people on alleged immigration violations. The raids were carried out at Home Depots in LA, where street vendors and day labourers were picked up, as well as at a garment factory and warehouse. Trump has pledged to deport record numbers of people in the country illegally and lock down the U.S.-Mexico border, with the White House setting a goal for ICE to arrest at least 3,000 migrants per day. But the administration has come under fire for depriving people of due process rights and several court challenges have been filed as people legally residing in the country – including some with permanent residence – have been caught up weeping immigration crackdown has also caught up. Reuters was unable to verify DHS's accounts. Angelica Salas, executive director of immigrants rights organisation Chirla, said lawyers had not had access to those detained on Friday, which she called "very worrying." However the Trump administration has shown little willingness to deviate from its approach, with Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem declaring the protests 'will not stop us or slow us down." In a post on X, US Vice President JD Vance described the protesters as 'insurrectionists'. 'Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while one half of America's political leadership has decided that border enforcement is evil. Time to pass President Trump's beautiful bill and further secure the border,' the Vice President stated. The view of the Trump administration is in stark contrast to local officials in California, with LA Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, condemning the immigration raids. "I am deeply angered by what has taken place," Ms Bass said. "These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this." Police Department officers did not take part in the immigration enforcement raids, however they were deployed to quell the civil unrest after, with a spokesperson telling Reuters police on the scene had declared an unlawful assembly, meaning that those who failed to leave the area were subject to arrest. -With Reuters
Mercury
9 hours ago
- Mercury
David Crisafulli slams schools, social media giants amid new school scandal
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Premier David Crisafulli has slammed schools for failing in their duty of care, and social media giants for allowing porn and other offensive and illegal material to remain on their platforms, demanding they 'take it down'. Speaking in the wake of yet another nude social media scandal involving children, Mr Crisafulli told the Sunday Mail: 'These sickening videos must be taken down; it is not a joke or laughing matter, this is a serious crime.' When Mr Crisafulli was contacted about the Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Noosaville – which failed to report to police the distribution of pornography by Year 7 and 8 students almost three months after being made aware of it – he said poor behaviour needed to be dealt with immediately. 'Cyber bullying in all its forms must be stamped out as too many lives have been lost and lives destroyed,' he said. 'We all have an obligation to call this abhorrent behaviour out and take action the second they're aware of it. 'Silence will only serve to normalise these behaviours and none of us can allow that to occur.' Mr Crisafulli lambasted tech companies for abrogating their responsibilities and said his government had boosted police resources to tackle crime in all its forms. 'Queenslanders will see our Budget delivers police the resources they need to fight crime, whether on our streets or online,' he said. 'The big tech giants also have big budgets and with that come big responsibilities. 'Monitor what is on your platforms and ensure that offensive and illegal material is taken down. 'How on earth can social media companies allow this sickening content to remain on their platforms? Take it down.' Good Shepherd Lutheran College is the latest in a long line of schools embroiled in social media scandals. Last month, Brisbane Boys' College students shared 'allegedly serious and potentially illegal' nude content in a group chat on social media, sparking a police investigation. Nudgee College is investigating the creation of a 'disgusting and degrading' video targeting girls from St Rita's College. It follows a 'smash or pass' controversy last year, in which photos of an entire St Rita's cohort were shared online by a Nudgee student with his peers. The Sunday Mail and Courier-Mail have successfully campaigned, through Let Them Be Kids, to lift the legal minimum age for social media use in Australia to 16. Originally published as David Crisafulli slams schools and social media giants after latest school scandal
