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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
King's Birthday Honours: Former AFLW chief executive Nicole Livingstone recognised for work in women's sports
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. 'You name it, I heard it,' Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. 'Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. 'Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. 'Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible.' Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration — she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. 'Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do,' she said. 'Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. 'Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important.' But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. 'Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long,' Livingstone said. 'Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. 'That is a special one.' Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Tasmanian politics in crisis: How did we get here?
Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff's minority Liberal government is hanging by a thread as he fights to stave off a motion of no confidence brought by the Labor opposition. Opposition leader Dean Winter argues last month's budget, with its bumper deficit and privatisation plans, was the tipping point for his party. A billion-dollar waterfront stadium that would host the new Tasmanian Devils AFL team has been cited by the Greens and crossbench as a major reason for supporting the motion. But this week's flashpoint does not come out of the blue. It arrives after a snowballing set of decisions and issues that have weakened the Liberal government, first elected with Will Hodgman at the helm in 2014. On taking office in 2022, one of Mr Rockliff's first acts as premier was to back the return of a 35-seat House of Assembly, up from 25, to reduce the workload on ministers and MPs. Given Tasmania's Senate-like lower house, this made it easier for independents and Greens to win seats, producing a hung parliament at the 2024 election. Mr Rockliff's Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the 2024 poll but remained parliament's biggest party, with 14 MPs to Labor's 10 and the Greens' five. To govern, Mr Rockliff signed deals with five crossbenchers, including various promises he has struggled to fulfil, straining relationships. The biggest turbulence for the Rockliff government has been its botched replacement of Spirit of Tasmania ferries, the critical sea link to the mainland. Two Finland-built ships were due in 2024, but the new berth needed to house them in Devonport won't be ready until 2026, with costs blowing out from $90m to $495m. Michael Ferguson took the fall, resigning as infrastructure minister in August last year, and then, as a no confidence motion loomed, as Treasurer in October. An Australian Rules state to its boots, Tasmania has always coveted a place in the AFL and got it in 2022, when a bid championed by former premier Peter Gutwein was realised by Mr Rockliff. However, the deal came with strings attached. The AFL will pay the least, but demands a roofed stadium close to the inner-city. The federal government does not pay as much as the state government, which also crucially, is on the hook for cost overruns - which already run into the hundreds of millions. As is often the case in Tasmania, the huge stadium project draws opposition. Some say it's in the wrong spot, including Hobart City Council and the RSL, given the proximity to heritage and a nearby war memorial. Economists attack dubious return-on-investment projections. Engineers doubt the feasibility of the Macquarie Point site, and those outside of Hobart feel its an over-the-top investment, especially given the state's health and housing woes. The final straw - at least to Labor - was new Treasurer's Guy Barnett first budget, unveiled last month. The Liberals, long the party of fiscal responsibility, instead unveiled deficits as far as the eye could see and ballooning debt to $10b; a huge amount for a state of 550,000 people. The blowout drew huge criticism both inside and outside parliament. The Labor opposition has suffered four election defeats in a row, the last three under Rebecca White, but have enjoyed a poll uptick under their new leader. He clearly sees a government on the ropes and enough of the crossbench agree. Labor want to move now given the huge support Tasmanians offered to candidates in the federal election, with four of the five seats now in Labor hands. They sense a moment. Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff's minority Liberal government is hanging by a thread as he fights to stave off a motion of no confidence brought by the Labor opposition. Opposition leader Dean Winter argues last month's budget, with its bumper deficit and privatisation plans, was the tipping point for his party. A billion-dollar waterfront stadium that would host the new Tasmanian Devils AFL team has been cited by the Greens and crossbench as a major reason for supporting the motion. But this week's flashpoint does not come out of the blue. It arrives after a snowballing set of decisions and issues that have weakened the Liberal government, first elected with Will Hodgman at the helm in 2014. On taking office in 2022, one of Mr Rockliff's first acts as premier was to back the return of a 35-seat House of Assembly, up from 25, to reduce the workload on ministers and MPs. Given Tasmania's Senate-like lower house, this made it easier for independents and Greens to win seats, producing a hung parliament at the 2024 election. Mr Rockliff's Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the 2024 poll but remained parliament's biggest party, with 14 MPs to Labor's 10 and the Greens' five. To govern, Mr Rockliff signed deals with five crossbenchers, including various promises he has struggled to fulfil, straining relationships. The biggest turbulence for the Rockliff government has been its botched replacement of Spirit of Tasmania ferries, the critical sea link to the mainland. Two Finland-built ships were due in 2024, but the new berth needed to house them in Devonport won't be ready until 2026, with costs blowing out from $90m to $495m. Michael Ferguson took the fall, resigning as infrastructure minister in August last year, and then, as a no confidence motion loomed, as Treasurer in October. An Australian Rules state to its boots, Tasmania has always coveted a place in the AFL and got it in 2022, when a bid championed by former premier Peter Gutwein was realised by Mr Rockliff. However, the deal came with strings attached. The AFL will pay the least, but demands a roofed stadium close to the inner-city. The federal government does not pay as much as the state government, which also crucially, is on the hook for cost overruns - which already run into the hundreds of millions. As is often the case in Tasmania, the huge stadium project draws opposition. Some say it's in the wrong spot, including Hobart City Council and the RSL, given the proximity to heritage and a nearby war memorial. Economists attack dubious return-on-investment projections. Engineers doubt the feasibility of the Macquarie Point site, and those outside of Hobart feel its an over-the-top investment, especially given the state's health and housing woes. The final straw - at least to Labor - was new Treasurer's Guy Barnett first budget, unveiled last month. The Liberals, long the party of fiscal responsibility, instead unveiled deficits as far as the eye could see and ballooning debt to $10b; a huge amount for a state of 550,000 people. The blowout drew huge criticism both inside and outside parliament. The Labor opposition has suffered four election defeats in a row, the last three under Rebecca White, but have enjoyed a poll uptick under their new leader. He clearly sees a government on the ropes and enough of the crossbench agree. Labor want to move now given the huge support Tasmanians offered to candidates in the federal election, with four of the five seats now in Labor hands. They sense a moment. Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff's minority Liberal government is hanging by a thread as he fights to stave off a motion of no confidence brought by the Labor opposition. Opposition leader Dean Winter argues last month's budget, with its bumper deficit and privatisation plans, was the tipping point for his party. A billion-dollar waterfront stadium that would host the new Tasmanian Devils AFL team has been cited by the Greens and crossbench as a major reason for supporting the motion. But this week's flashpoint does not come out of the blue. It arrives after a snowballing set of decisions and issues that have weakened the Liberal government, first elected with Will Hodgman at the helm in 2014. On taking office in 2022, one of Mr Rockliff's first acts as premier was to back the return of a 35-seat House of Assembly, up from 25, to reduce the workload on ministers and MPs. Given Tasmania's Senate-like lower house, this made it easier for independents and Greens to win seats, producing a hung parliament at the 2024 election. Mr Rockliff's Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the 2024 poll but remained parliament's biggest party, with 14 MPs to Labor's 10 and the Greens' five. To govern, Mr Rockliff signed deals with five crossbenchers, including various promises he has struggled to fulfil, straining relationships. The biggest turbulence for the Rockliff government has been its botched replacement of Spirit of Tasmania ferries, the critical sea link to the mainland. Two Finland-built ships were due in 2024, but the new berth needed to house them in Devonport won't be ready until 2026, with costs blowing out from $90m to $495m. Michael Ferguson took the fall, resigning as infrastructure minister in August last year, and then, as a no confidence motion loomed, as Treasurer in October. An Australian Rules state to its boots, Tasmania has always coveted a place in the AFL and got it in 2022, when a bid championed by former premier Peter Gutwein was realised by Mr Rockliff. However, the deal came with strings attached. The AFL will pay the least, but demands a roofed stadium close to the inner-city. The federal government does not pay as much as the state government, which also crucially, is on the hook for cost overruns - which already run into the hundreds of millions. As is often the case in Tasmania, the huge stadium project draws opposition. Some say it's in the wrong spot, including Hobart City Council and the RSL, given the proximity to heritage and a nearby war memorial. Economists attack dubious return-on-investment projections. Engineers doubt the feasibility of the Macquarie Point site, and those outside of Hobart feel its an over-the-top investment, especially given the state's health and housing woes. The final straw - at least to Labor - was new Treasurer's Guy Barnett first budget, unveiled last month. The Liberals, long the party of fiscal responsibility, instead unveiled deficits as far as the eye could see and ballooning debt to $10b; a huge amount for a state of 550,000 people. The blowout drew huge criticism both inside and outside parliament. The Labor opposition has suffered four election defeats in a row, the last three under Rebecca White, but have enjoyed a poll uptick under their new leader. He clearly sees a government on the ropes and enough of the crossbench agree. Labor want to move now given the huge support Tasmanians offered to candidates in the federal election, with four of the five seats now in Labor hands. They sense a moment. Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff's minority Liberal government is hanging by a thread as he fights to stave off a motion of no confidence brought by the Labor opposition. Opposition leader Dean Winter argues last month's budget, with its bumper deficit and privatisation plans, was the tipping point for his party. A billion-dollar waterfront stadium that would host the new Tasmanian Devils AFL team has been cited by the Greens and crossbench as a major reason for supporting the motion. But this week's flashpoint does not come out of the blue. It arrives after a snowballing set of decisions and issues that have weakened the Liberal government, first elected with Will Hodgman at the helm in 2014. On taking office in 2022, one of Mr Rockliff's first acts as premier was to back the return of a 35-seat House of Assembly, up from 25, to reduce the workload on ministers and MPs. Given Tasmania's Senate-like lower house, this made it easier for independents and Greens to win seats, producing a hung parliament at the 2024 election. Mr Rockliff's Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the 2024 poll but remained parliament's biggest party, with 14 MPs to Labor's 10 and the Greens' five. To govern, Mr Rockliff signed deals with five crossbenchers, including various promises he has struggled to fulfil, straining relationships. The biggest turbulence for the Rockliff government has been its botched replacement of Spirit of Tasmania ferries, the critical sea link to the mainland. Two Finland-built ships were due in 2024, but the new berth needed to house them in Devonport won't be ready until 2026, with costs blowing out from $90m to $495m. Michael Ferguson took the fall, resigning as infrastructure minister in August last year, and then, as a no confidence motion loomed, as Treasurer in October. An Australian Rules state to its boots, Tasmania has always coveted a place in the AFL and got it in 2022, when a bid championed by former premier Peter Gutwein was realised by Mr Rockliff. However, the deal came with strings attached. The AFL will pay the least, but demands a roofed stadium close to the inner-city. The federal government does not pay as much as the state government, which also crucially, is on the hook for cost overruns - which already run into the hundreds of millions. As is often the case in Tasmania, the huge stadium project draws opposition. Some say it's in the wrong spot, including Hobart City Council and the RSL, given the proximity to heritage and a nearby war memorial. Economists attack dubious return-on-investment projections. Engineers doubt the feasibility of the Macquarie Point site, and those outside of Hobart feel its an over-the-top investment, especially given the state's health and housing woes. The final straw - at least to Labor - was new Treasurer's Guy Barnett first budget, unveiled last month. The Liberals, long the party of fiscal responsibility, instead unveiled deficits as far as the eye could see and ballooning debt to $10b; a huge amount for a state of 550,000 people. The blowout drew huge criticism both inside and outside parliament. The Labor opposition has suffered four election defeats in a row, the last three under Rebecca White, but have enjoyed a poll uptick under their new leader. He clearly sees a government on the ropes and enough of the crossbench agree. Labor want to move now given the huge support Tasmanians offered to candidates in the federal election, with four of the five seats now in Labor hands. They sense a moment.
