Independent MHA for Franklin, Peter George, has called for a full and frank disclosure of all costs associated with the proposed Macquarie Point stadium when the government releases its response to the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s (TPC) report tomorrow, Wednesday 8 October 2025.
Media release – Peter George MHA, independent for Franklin, 7 October 2025
Independent MP calls for full disclosure on Stadium costs
Statement:
It becomes clearer every day that the true costs and impacts for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium have been obscured from day one of this rotten deal.
It beggars belief that the Parliament is being asked to sign a blank cheque for a structure not yet fully designed, with costs hidden and a predicted financial loss to be paid for by the next generations.
Not once has the government been able to present a legitimate business case for the stadium.
Quite the opposite.
Instead of accepting the results of the TPC’s thorough and extensive inquiry along with the conclusions of independent economist, Nicholas Gruen’s investigations, Premier Rockliff and his Treasurer, Eric Abetz, are condemning the state to multi-generational debt it cannot afford to take on and that may undermine our credit rating.
Labor and the crossbench can stop the madness
I call on the Labor Party to wake up to the long-term ramifications of this white elephant and start acting as a real opposition because with the cross bench on side, the Project of State Significance Order can be blocked in the House of Assembly and sanity can prevail.
And I call on the 15 members of the Legislative Council to make the same decision if it reaches the upper house intact.
Tasmania deserves an AFL team and ending the stadium madness need not stop us building a strong, winning team for all Tasmanians to back.
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