Tasmanian Labor Backs Macquarie Point Stadium, Paving the Way for Approval
Tasmanian Labor has announced its support for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart, effectively guaranteeing its passage through parliament. This decision marks a significant shift from the party's previous opposition to the project.
Labor leader Dean Winter cited the promised construction jobs as the primary reason for the party's change of heart. He emphasized the importance of creating "safe, secure, well-paid jobs" under his leadership.
While Labor will continue to scrutinize the project, including the $375 million spending cap promised by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, they will not stand in the way of its approval. Winter also suggested considering the "stadium 2.0" proposal, a public-private project built further around the foreshore using reclaimed land.
This development comes after years of debate and uncertainty surrounding the stadium project. In the previous parliamentary term, Labor had staunchly opposed the Macquarie Point stadium, though they did not vote against it when the opportunity arose.
With both the state Liberals and Labor now in favor of the project, along with the federal Labor government, its approval seems almost certain. The stadium is currently being assessed by Tasmania's Planning Commission and will need to pass both houses of parliament when this work is finished, likely next year.
The Greens, however, remain opposed to the stadium. They criticize Labor's change of stance, citing the party's previous backflip on pokies legislation. They argue that there are more pressing needs for infrastructure investment, such as building homes for vulnerable Tasmanians and staffing hospitals.
Despite the Greens' opposition, the Macquarie Point stadium appears to be on track for approval. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs in construction, including hundreds of apprenticeships. The union representing construction workers has welcomed Labor's support for the project, though they remain concerned about the original Macquarie Point proposal.
The final decision on the stadium's fate will rest with the Tasmanian Parliament. With Labor and the Liberals holding a combined majority in the lower house and likely to have a majority or minority of one in the upper house, the project's approval seems highly probable.