Tasmanian Labor consulting on 'right process' for Macquarie Point stadium approval

Australia Broadcast Center

9 hours ago

Tasmanian Labor says it is trying to understand what the "right approval process" is for the Macquarie Point stadium, suggesting it may walk back its support for the fast-track process currently in place.
The $945 million proposed waterfront stadium is being assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission as a Project of State Significance (POSS).
But the government and others involved in the project fear the project will be unable to meet the strict timelines set out by the AFL.
In June, knowing it had the support of Labor, the Liberal government introduced special legislation that would have allowed the project to bypass the planning system.
It was due to be debated later this month. Instead, following a no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmania is facing its fourth election in seven years.
Now, Labor appears to be reconsidering its support for the legislation.
When asked at a press conference if Labor would be pursuing the enabling legislation, leader Dean Winter said the party was "consulting" with stakeholders about the right process.
"We need to make sure that we can get this thing built," said Mr Winter.
"We've looked at the legislation and also understood from Legislative councillors that there are some real challenges there, so we'll be making announcements around that following consultation."
The Legislative Council is ruled by independents and minor parties at a nine-to-six split, meaning even with both major parties on board, nothing is guaranteed.
Regardless of which process it goes through — legislation or POSS — the project has to be approved by both houses of parliament.
"We need to make sure whatever goes to the Legislative Council can actually get approval," Mr Winter said.
"That's going to require a lot of hard work and a parliamentary process that makes sense."
He would not be drawn on whether he thought the legislation would pass the upper house in its current form.
"We have to get it approved and finding the right approval process to maximise the chances of actually getting it built is the most important priority here," Mr Winter said.
Regardless of whether Labor wins government on July 19, its support is likely to be essential.
Greens candidate Helen Burnet said while she would like Labor to walk away from the stadium altogether, she hoped the party would at least drop its support for the legislation.
"They've been very unclear in the past. They've flip-flopped. It's really important with such a massive issue that they're making it very clear for Tasmanians before they vote.