As the state election nears, candidates and parties are focusing on a range of issues.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) is calling on state election candidates to commit to an Aboriginal Bail Support Program, enhanced Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, and greater investment in Aboriginal community-led solutions to reduce incarceration rates and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
John Macgowan (independent candidate, Clark) conditionally supports the Macquarie Point stadium, provided the government takes control of stadium advertising revenue, which he believes is being mismanaged.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff is prioritising tourism and hospitality, pledging increased marketing funds and guaranteeing more AFL games in northern Tasmania.
Conversely, Labor Leader Dean Winter has released a fiscal strategy aiming for a so-called fresh start for Tasmania’s finances, including $1 billion in savings to address rising debt.
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed Labor’s move, saying that getting the state’s finances under control was one of the biggest issues for the business community ahead of the election.
Rebekah Pentland (independent MHA, Bass) welcomed the return of midwifery training but called out the government for taking credit for a reform she initiated. She also criticised Labor for delaying the release of their health policies.
The Greens claimed that there is internal Labor Party division over the direction Leader Dean Winter has taken on the stadium issue.
Meanwhile, Meg Webb (independent MLC, Nelson, not up for election) is advocating for an end to public funding of greyhound racing, citing financial waste and public disapproval.
Architect Jiri Lev (independent candidate, Lyons) has launched a plastic-free campaign, advocating for affordable housing and a stadium rethink, deeming the current proposal a disaster.
These diverse platforms highlight the critical choices facing Tasmanian voters this election.
Statements relating to these issues are reproduced below.
Media release – Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, 30 June 2025
STATE ELECTION AGENDA
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service today issued its State Election Policy agenda.
TALS CEO Jake Smith called on the major parties and all candidates to focus on:
Building safer communities and reducing unnecessary incarceration through smart investment
“We want to support Aboriginal young people and adults at risk of unnecessary incarceration through a Statewide Aboriginal Bail Support Program (BSP) – a proven alternative that provides opportunities for those at risk and reduces reoffending,” Mr Smith said. “It’s about time Tasmania caught up with other Australian states.”
Save lives and strengthen families of those most vulnerable to family, sexual and domestic violence
“We need to secure Statewide services for Tasmania’s only dedicated Aboriginal Family Violence and Prevention Legal Service, which delivers culturally safe legal and holistic supports to clients in need.
Invest in Aboriginal community led solutions for Aboriginal people and communities
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are best placed to deliver services and programs that support Aboriginal youth, and adults across Tasmania and in their communities.”
Mr Smith said a Statewide Aboriginal Bail Support Program will:
- Make communities safer by addressing the factors that lead to offending.
- Deliver a strong return on investment, reducing pressure on courts, police, and corrections.
- Provide culturally safe supports while reducing the unnecessary overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody, particularly youth.
- Improve education, employment, and health outcomes through case management and support.
Mr Smith said investment in Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Services will:
- Ensure Aboriginal women, children and families receive timely, culturally safe legal and non-legal assistance.
- Reduce unnecessary trauma and improve outcomes for victim-survivors and their children who experience family, domestic and sexual violence.
- Secure service delivery in the North-West of Tasmania.
- Reduce risk of harm, hospitalisation, or death among at-risk community members.
Mr Smith said a commitment to investment in Aboriginal Services for Aboriginal people will:
- Deliver the youth justice reforms for our State’s youth justice system that work when they are delivered by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal youth.
- Support the Aboriginal community of Tasmania who have the greatest unmet legal need in providing sustainable investment to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service.
- Provide youth in Bridgewater, Herdsman’s Cove and Gagebrook at risk of contact with the justice system, with the access to, culturally safe supports through the community-led Bridgewater Youth Hub – reducing the likelihood of justice system involvement and helping build stronger futures.
- Improve wellbeing and outcomes for Aboriginal people, who are the most overrepresented in custody in Tasmania, through increased support for the Aboriginal Wellbeing Program, ensuring access to culture, connection, and wraparound support to reduce recidivism and improve reintegration outcomes.
Media release – John Macgowan, independent candidate for Clark, 28 June 2025
MACGOWAN STADIUM POSITION – YES
Independent Candidate for Clark John Macgowan has announced his position on the controversial Macquarie Point Stadium proposal today – yes, but with one condition before he would, if elected, support a Bill to rush the relevant legislation through the Parliament.
“The stadium is an average idea executed badly. It’s not the best idea, but it’s not a bad one. It’s just been handled amateurishly and in a way that has made the Tasmanian Government look like rubes in every boardroom and C-suite on the mainland,” John Macgowan said.
“Hobart desperately needs development. It’s hamstrung by one of the most growth hostile councils in the country, and a State Government that has failed for years to reign them in and undertake legislative reform to put independent experts, or even just adults, in charge of development approvals.
“I will support the stadium in the House if elected conditional on the Government revising its plan to outsource advertising infrastructure construction, and monopolising on field, LED ribbon board and all associated stadium advertising fees. Stadiums are for profit enterprises, a key fact the Government seems to not understand,” Macgowan said.
“For 3 years the Tasmanian Government has put all its eggs in the stadium basket. There are no other projects of this transformative scale on the table. Infrastructure Tasmania’s 2025 to 2033 major project pipeline is bare. Without the stadium, the only projects under development are the vexed Marinus Link and a (much needed) Brooker Highway upgrade that won’t start construction until 2030.
“For all Australian Governments, building anything is hard. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $1 million renovation, a $1 billion stadium, or a $10 billion railroad. The Government can’t just flip a switch now and go from building a stadium to something else that its detractors would prefer. The process would start again, and Hobart’s much needed economic stimulus would be put off by years. With looming debts and crippling deficits precipitating a potential credit rating downgrade in our future, we need to lean in to economic growth to avoid a budget disaster.
“The stadium is expensive, but not egregiously so compared to other developments of its scale. There are 14 stadiums under construction around the world right now and adjusting for the weak Australian dollar and higher construction costs due to Tasmania’s remoteness, Macquarie Point is around the average in price. You would be hard pressed to find an analyst who would forecast these conditions improving over the next decade, in fact they’re more likely to worsen, meaning any delay to the Stadium’s construction will just make it more expensive.” John Macgowan said.
Macgowan’s condition on supporting the Bill is based on his reading of the Independent Review of the Stadium by Dr Nicholas Gruen –
“Dr Gruen’s report and his review of the KPMG financial impact statements suggests the return on investment of the stadium is just 44 cents to the dollar. This isn’t acceptable. But it can be lifted. KPMG does not model advertising revenue, and Dr Gruen’s forecasts on advertising revenue are low. Concerningly, it appears the Government is barely factoring it in, and looks to outsource LED ribbon board advertising construction to the private sector, who would no doubt take the lion’s share of the revenue.
“I don’t know much about building stadiums, but I do know a lot about the Out-Of-Home Advertising market in Australia, which is worth over $1 billion dollars, 17% of which is from stadiums. Dr Gruen lowballs the revenue because he rightly points out the current plan is for just 5 games a year, whereas his models assess other stadiums playing 50. Putting aside the potential for growth in use, what Dr Gruen’s analysis doesn’t understand is the concept of brand equity for corporate advertisers. They are captive to the need to maintain brand equity at every stadium lest competitors move in. They will pay exorbitant fees, if you ask them. Advertisers and sponsors are laughing behind Tasmania’s back at the extremely low rates they pay at Bellerive and Ninja Stadium.
“This has always been a problem for our state, politicians and business leaders lack confidence to demand their fair share because our State is comparatively small. But events at our stadiums still broadcast to the same national audience as the MCG does.
“Without putting too finer point on it, I’m calling for the Government to price gouge to help pay for the project. The best thing about this is there is no risk of costs being passed on to consumers. The corporates will have to pay, or, accept there won’t be eyes on their brands for 5 games each year. The price of a HiLux is not going to go up if we quadruple the price of Toyota’s ads at Macquarie Point games.
“Tasmania is in this mess because the Government went into a contract negotiation with no leverage, and ended up with a bad deal in return for a football team they’re now politically wedded to. It’s time to use what little leverage we have left to get a better deal.”
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 28 June 2025
Taking tourism and hospitality to new heights
A re-elected Liberal Government will double down on its efforts to grow Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a continuing commitment to a suite of initiatives to support the tourism and hospitality industry.
“We will empower Tourism Tasmania to lead event development, national marketing and industry alignment to ensure regional businesses share in the benefits of a growing visitor economy,” Premier Rockliff said.
“A re-elected Liberal Government will also give our world-class industries the certainty and flexibility they need to grow and innovate by investing an additional $38 million into tourism marketing funding over the next four years, as included in the 2025-26 Budget.
“While Labor have labelled tourism marketing as “puff and promotion”, we understand the globally competitive environment we operate in, and the importance of continuing to attract new visitors and keep them returning.”
One in every six Tasmanians is employed in the tourism and hospitality industry, and we back every single worker and operator.
A re-elected Liberal Government will continue implementing its plan to streamline the application and approval process for events, reducing red tape and making it easier to hold events in Tasmania.
“Tasmania has the highest business confidence in the nation, and we want that to continue,” the Premier said.
“Our plan to cut red tape and modernise liquor licensing laws is a priority for the sector, and we recommit to introducing a 10-day ‘deemed approval’ rule with faster turnaround times, creating fit-for-purpose licence categories, replacing multiple permits and introducing a fairer, risk-based free structure to lower costs.
“We also want to ensure businesses have the staff they need, with a re-elected Liberal Government to deliver a key worker housing program for tourism and hospitality staff in regional and remote areas.
“This will focus on attracting and retaining staff in areas where housing supply is challenging, with Homes Tasmania and industry stakeholders playing a key role.”
Key initiatives to support the Tourism and Hospitality industry:
- Additional investment of $38 million to maintain tourism marketing funding over the next four years;
- Integration of signature demand driving events with Tourism Tasmania;
- Streamline the application and approval process, reducing red tape and making it easier to hold events in Tasmania;
- Recommit to our Spirit Support package in its entirety; including the Eat Local, Stay Local initiative;
- Amend the Aviation Attraction Fund guidelines within 100 days of forming government;
- Introduce SkyBus services to the region, an Airport Express bus to the Launceston CBD for the first time;
- Commit to the Cradle, Derby and Freycinet Masterplans;
- Work with Homes Tasmania and industry stakeholders on a key worker program for Tourism and Hospitality Staff in regional and remote areas;
- Finalise the School of the Visitor Economy in the first 100 days;
- Continue to fund the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy, a proven government-industry partnership;
- Harness the Waste Levy for industry innovation and sustainability that will harness our competitive strengths in the hospitality sector;
- Continue our work with the Australian Government on a negotiated Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to provide Tasmanian employers with better visa options to attract the Working Holiday Maker Visa market.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 28 June 2025
Footy in the north to go from strength to strength
Northern Tasmania will see more footy content than ever before, as a re-elected Liberal Government will guarantee a minimum of six AFL games per year post 2027.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, said the commitment would deliver even more AFL content in the north, securing economic benefits for Launceston for years to come.
“We will work collaboratively with the Devils, the AFL and the City of Launceston to secure more AFL content in 2028 and 2029,” the Premier said.
“We know there is a significant benefit to the regional economy and will build on the successful partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club that commenced in 2001.
“It follows a two-year deal struck earlier this year, which is expected to generate around $46 million for our local economy when it takes effect in 2026.
“We’ve already seen the positive impact the Tasmania Devils have had on participation across the state, and we expect to see that to continue to grow when the Devils take to the field in the coming years.”
Our guarantee to deliver additional games in 2028 and 2029 means that UTAS Stadium will see more AFL content than ever before as the Devils take the field.
It will include delivering a minimum of six Tasmania Devils/Hawthorn AFL games, as well as AFLW games and a number of Devils VFL and VFLW games.
Media release – Dean Winter, Labor Leader, 28 June 2025
A Fresh Start for Tasmania’s finances
Today, I am releasing Labor’s comprehensive Fiscal Strategy – our responsible, long-term plan to repair the damage caused by 11 years of budget mismanagement.
Our strategy sets out how Labor will restore responsibility to the state’s finances, reduce debt, and rebuild public confidence in government budget management. With hard work and discipline, we are ready to fix the budget, grow the economy and deliver the change Tasmania needs.
After more than a decade of reckless Liberal spending and budget mismanagement, Tasmania’s finances are on track to become the worst in the nation. Tasmanians are now facing $13 billion in net debt and annual interest payments of over $700 million.
A Dean Winter Labor Government will:
- Immediately implement $1 billion in savings to reduce pressure on the budget in the short-term.
- Commit to allocating any net windfall gains from taxation revenue towards debt reduction.
- Hold a Budget Repair Roundtable with key stakeholders to include them in the budget repair process.
Tasmanians will need to work together on budget repair. A Dean Winter Labor Government will be open and honest with the Tasmanian community about the scale of this task, and the immense challenge associated with restoring the health of Tasmania’s finances.
Through a Budget Repair Roundtable, Labor will work with unions, businesses, and the broader community on the steps necessary to restore Tasmania’s financial health and ensure budget repair actions are informed by the recommendations of this group, and advice from independent experts.
In addition to this, noting the three key budget documents released over the past four-month period have all presented a differing and worsening perspective on the state of the budget, a Dean Winter Labor Government will bring forward publication of the Fiscal Sustainability Report. Unlike the Liberals, Labor will be honest about the state of the budget and serious about fixing it.
Media release – Rebekah Pentland, MHA for Bass, 29 June 2025
PENTLAND WELCOMES MIDWIFERY TRAINING RETURN, REMINDS GOVERNMENT OF PARLIAMENT’S ROLE
Independent Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland has welcomed the return of direct-entry midwifery training at the University of Tasmania but says the Liberal Government’s announcement fails to acknowledge the parliamentary motion she brought forward that led to this reform.
“In May, I put forward a comprehensive motion calling on the Government to bring back midwifery study in Tasmania,” Mrs Pentland said.
“The motion passed unanimously. There was cross-party support. But yesterday, we’ve seen a Government media release that pretends this idea came out of nowhere. That’s not honest, and it’s not good governance.
Mrs Pentland’s motion, passed in the House of Assembly, called on the Government to work with UTAS to re-establish a direct-entry midwifery program. It was part of a broader push to reform and strengthen Tasmania’s midwifery and nursing workforce.
“This wasn’t just about a degree. It was about addressing the critical shortage of midwives in our hospitals, rural areas, and maternity services. It was about continuity of care, bereavement support, and giving Tasmanians the chance to train locally to stay local.
“The Government has now adopted one part of the reform I called for, and I genuinely welcome that. But let’s be clear, this wasn’t their idea. It was the result of sustained advocacy, real evidence, and political pressure.
Mrs Pentland said that while the return of the program is a step in the right direction, many elements of the reform package remain unaddressed.
“I’m still waiting for action on targeted market allowances to boost recruitment in rural areas and emergency departments. I’m still calling for a statewide plan for continuity of care midwifery models. And I’m still pushing for transparency and urgency around health workforce recruitment.
“Tasmanians deserve policy based on need, not politics. If the Government is finally listening, that’s great, but they need to be upfront about where these ideas came from. Reform only happens when someone puts it on the agenda. And I did.
Mrs Pentland also raised serious concerns about Labor’s election readiness when it comes to health.
“On Friday, Shadow Health Minister Ella Haddad told the ANMF that Labor won’t release their health policies until 7 July. That’s a week after pre-polling opens. Voters are being asked to cast their ballots without having seen a plan for one of the biggest issues in this campaign.
“How can Labor expect to be taken seriously as a government-in-waiting if they can’t even release their health platform on time?
“Tasmanians deserve leadership, not just lip service. We need urgent, evidence-based reform in our health system. That takes more than announcements. It takes action and accountability.”
Media release – Michael Bailey, TCCI CEO, 28 June 2025
TCCI welcomes Labor’s billion dollar savings plan
The TCCI has welcomed Labor’s plan to rein in spending and commitment to budget repair.
TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey, said getting the state’s finances under control was one of the biggest issues for the business community ahead of the election.
“Labor’s plan to reduce spending by $1 billion is a great start and something that the TCCI supports,” Mr Bailey said.
“Labor’s commitment to use any revenue windfall to help reduce debt and deficit levels is also a sensible step.
“Budget repair is going to require an ongoing effort and ongoing engagement with industry, businesses, community groups, the public sector and the broader community. A roundtable to discuss further savings would be a good forum to discuss budget repair with a variety of stakeholders.
“Whoever forms the next government is going to have to be incredibly disciplined with spending, because it is going to take a number of years to get the budget back on track.
“We acknowledge it takes courage for an opposition to outline a budget savings strategy during an election campaign, and we look forward to the release of the Liberals’ savings plan. We believe that budget repair – rather than more spending – is critical at this election and our State needs an ongoing public debate about the best way to put the state budget back on a sustainable path.”
The TCCI’s election priorities are –
- Budget Sustainability
o Restore the budget to surplus through disciplined spending, fully costed savings, and backing the private-sector.
- Energy Policy
o Deliver Marinus Link on schedule, invest in renewable energy, and ensure affordable power for households and businesses.
- Governance
o Introduce a Government-Business Charter to prioritize local contracts, ensure stability, and reform the public sector.
- Cost of Doing Business
o Review business costs and develop a cost index to address rising expenses like power, insurance, and taxes.
- Education and Skills
o Increase workforce participation by addressing barriers (education, transport, health) and supporting the TCCI’s Participation Taskforce.
- GBEs and Public Entities
o Reform Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and State-owned Companies (SOCs) to align with commercial principles and review TasWater’s regulations.
- Health System Review
o Establish a Commission of Inquiry to improve efficiency and sustainability in Tasmania’s health system.
- Infrastructure
o Develop a priority infrastructure list to guide investments and secure federal funding.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff, Greens Leader, 28 June 2025
Labor’s stadium division
The Macquarie Point stadium is deeply unpopular with the public, but apparently it’s not just voters who are angry with the Liberal and Labor party’s stated support for the project. It seems Labor MPs and candidates are also feeling unhappy about their leader’s approach.
The Greens don’t usually hear much from inside the Labor party, but since Labor Leader Dean Winter announced he is backing every element of the Liberals’ plan for the Hobart stadium, that’s changed.
We’ve heard from multiple sources inside Labor that there is a high level of dissatisfaction with their leader’s approach to the project.
Dean Winter has told voters his position on the stadium is identical to the Liberals. But it seems his position might not be supported by his current party room – let alone a future one.
It isn’t surprising to hear that Labor MPs are unhappy with the direction their leader has taken on the stadium. After all, many of them campaigned hard against it, had ‘no stadium’ bumper stickers on their cars, and made clear to the community they thought it was the wrong priority for the state.
It’s not just the current Labor party MPs that seem to have a problem. We also know high profile candidates are opposed to the project. If they join the party room as expected, they will add to the strength of opposition to Dean Winter’s position.
With so much internal division in Labor over the stadium, the Greens believe this election is a real opportunity to stop the project. With a strong enough vote for anti-stadium candidates, there will be huge pressure on Dean Winter to drop support for the project – both from within his own party and from the community.
If anyone is skeptical that Labor would change their tune again, just look at their track record. They’ve already had about 10 positions on the project. Why not 11?
Of course, it may be that Labor stick to their guns for a change and move to fast-track the stadium through Parliament like their leader says they will. But from what we’re hearing, that’s far from a done deal. That’s why voting against the stadium is so important this election – so there’s as much pressure as possible on Labor to ditch the project if they form government.
Media release – Meg Webb, Independent Member for Nelson, 29 June 2025
Election Opportunity to End Public Funding of Greyhound Racing
The state election provides an opportunity for candidates to step up and commit to ending public funding of controversial greyhound racing, according to independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb.
“It is untenable for the state government to continue to sink taxpayers’ money in propping up this cruel activity,” said Ms Webb who joined today’s Kingston Beach Event for Greyhounds and All Their Doggo Mates.
“Thanks to the recent independent review by Saul Eslake the evidence is in. Tasmania is spending more on greyhound than the national rate, at an annual average increase of 5.6 per cent over the past 15 years, in contrast to education investment which only received a 4.1 per cent increase over the same period.
“The state’s dire financial situation is a major factor why Tasmanians are facing their second state election in two years. Ending public funding of greyhound racing would save millions each year, which could then be redirected to areas in desperate need.
“This state election presents an opportunity to draw a line in the sand.
“Now is the time for partes and candidates to stand up and commit to ending public funding for greyhound racing, and prioritise negotiations to plan a transition out for the industry and the dogs in time for the expiry of the current Tasracing deal in 2029.
“This is a failing industry and one which is increasingly on the nose.
“We know from a 2023 EMRS poll that 62 per cent of respondents opposed greyhound racing with 79 per cent saying the government should stop propping it up with taxpayers’ money.
“Tasmanians do not want to lock in more greyhound suffering, and they certainly do not want to be subsidising that suffering,” Ms Webb said.
Media release – Jiri Lev, Independent Member for Lyons, 29 June 2025
Lev’s campaign is different by design
Tasmanian architect Jiri Lev who is currently running for election as an independent in Lyons has declared his campaign plastic fee. Proclaiming election coreflute signs “uninspiring, unnecessary and ugly,” he said it was “hard to make a case for the environment while plastering the state with plastic boards, and hard to make a case for political transparency with hidden backers paying for them.”
Instead of traditional advertising, he calls for those who support his policies to share his website among their friends and on their social media.
Jiri Lev is known primarily for his work in humanitarian architecture and affordable housing, as well as calls for stadium rethink, however his policies are wide reaching. He describes them as environmentally conscious, realistic and moderately conservative.
He says his decision to run in the current election was motivated by the deepening housing crisis, as well as escalating destruction of our beautiful and unique built and natural environments.
About the stadium he says that the “present design and position is an almost certain $1.5 to $2 billion disaster, both for the government purse and the visual value of inner Hobart.” He calls the proposal “bread-and-circuses politics, unnecessarily costly, divisive and unwise.”
He says if a new stadium proves necessary, it should be built where it will fit the scale of surrounding development and be beneficial and welcomed by its immediate community. “3000 affordable homes could be built for the saved one billion.”
He previously said he wanted to establish a simple pathway for all Tasmanians, including public housing tenants and applicants to build their own homes and communities, under builder’s supervision, gaining significant equity in their new rent-to-own houses, as well as skills and income potential.
He also wants the government to look at successful European models of guaranteed affordable lifetime rental housing, co-housing and cooperative housing, with a sense of security and ownership, especially for single-person households.
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