7 days ago
Tasmania Devils release ‘concerned' statement ahead of state government's possible no-confidence motion
Tasmania Football Club has pitched its case to state parliament in a statement released ahead of a potential no-confidence motion that could derail the AFL club before it fully forms.
The Devils' future is currently hanging in the balance, with a precarious state political climate in Tasmania throwing doubt over the viability of the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium — the central condition on which the AFL offered its 19th license to the Apple Isle.
Tasmaniam Premier Jeremy Rockliff has copped increasing heat over his Liberal party's financial management and plans for the new AFL stadium in Hobart. The estimated cost for a new stadium recently increased from $755 million to $945 million.
Labor supports the project 'unconditionally' but the Greens and several crossbench MPs are opposed.
Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter on Tuesday tabled a no-confidence motion and said he would move it for debate if enough crossbench MPs indicated their support. The motion would require the support of the Greens and three of six crossbenchers to pass.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Devils admitted they are worried about what a no-confidence motion could mean for the club.
'The political uncertainty that is currently unfolding in the Tasmanian Parliament is of great concern to TasmaniaFootball Club,' the statement reads.
'Like the rest of the community, we are unsure what will happen today and what the impacts of any actions taken might be.
'What we do know is that uncertainty presents a serious risk for jobs, investment and growth, and for the future of Tasmania Football Club.
'Tasmania Football Club remains steadfast on building a club for all Tasmanians.
'We are also steadfast on staying out of politics. We ask that our political leaders understand the implications of their actions and decisions on the future of our state for all Tasmanians, a future which we know Tasmania Football Club can play a significant part.'
The Devils have been due to come into the AFL in 2028, with the stadium situation already likely to have seen the club debut at the existing stadiums in Hobart (Bellerive Oval) and Launceston (York Park).
Thursday's 2025/26 budget predicted the state's debt would more than double to $10.8 billion in four years' time with deficits each year, under Rockliff's plans.
The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, are governing in minority with just 14 of 35 seats in the lower house.
The Greens, who have moved no-confidence motions in the past, have said they'll discuss Labor's motion.
Independent MP Kristie Johnston said she would back the motion, and Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner said he would be 'quite happy' to support it.
Independent MP and former Labor leader David O'Byrne said he would consider any no-confidence motion if one is moved, but criticised his former party for not consulting the crossbench before making the announcement.
Independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland do not support Labor's motion, saying it would trigger a 'political crisis'.
Independent Craig Garland has been contacted for comment.
If a no-confidence motion against Rockliff was successful, convention dictates he resign.
The move represents a shift from Labor, which has previously voted with the Liberals to nip no-confidence motions in the bud.
Winter was critical of the Premier 'wrecking' the budget, his plan to sell state assets and delays and cost blowouts to the delivery of new Bass Strait ferries.
'My message is to the crossbench,' he said.
'If they really are opposed to this Premier's agenda of debt, deficit and debacle — as they claim — then tell the house you have lost confidence in this Premier.'
Rockliff said Labor's motion had been tabled in a nasty and bullying way.
The Liberals were re-elected in March 2024 but suffered a swing of 12 per cent against them.
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