Party Leaders Must Allow Free Vote on Polarising Stadium

Independent member for Mersey, Mike Gaffney MLC, shares his opinion on the contentious Macquarie Point Stadium project which he declares demands a free vote in Parliament, ensuring that elected members are accountable to their constituents and conscience, rather than being forced to toe the party line on a decision with generational economic and social impact.

For political integrity and accountability, it is clear to me that with such a crucial and impactful decision to be made regarding the Macquarie Point Stadium precinct, each member of parliament should be able to freely vote as they see fit.

Whilst the stadium has been described as ‘multi-purpose’ the debate around it has been one of the most polarising issues in modern day Tasmania.

As it currently stands, 37 members of the 50 in Parliament are members of the three main parties (Liberals, Labor, Greens) and one independent member in the upper house is obviously party aligned, as the leader the government.

Therefore, it could be argued that 38, or 76%, of our State Parliamentarians may indeed, be toeing the party line, to the vested business interests of the decision makers and power brokers controlling the party machine.

The stadium proposal has already had a pivotal impact on the economic and social future of Tasmania – with two recent elections producing minority governments largely due to the stadium project.

A project that will only add to an already unsustainable level of state debt, and more than likely impede future investment in essential services, as the government struggles to pay down its borrowings.

Every published opinion poll across the state shows majority opposition for the stadium.

Moreover, learned planning bodies, well-regarded economists and even organisations such as Federal Group, which stand to gain from the purported benefits of the stadium, oppose the project.

Instead of a vote based purely on party lines and interests, I implore the leaders of major parties to allow a free vote for members based on their conscience.

The stadium vote will be a critical juncture in this ongoing political farce.

Genuine debate in Parliament, with a conscience vote unhindered by party politics, will ensure every politician is directly accountable to their constituents, electorate and Tasmania.

The Liberal Party has fully embraced the new stadium myth in its kowtowed deal with the AFL. However, it does not necessarily mean that all liberals believe the deal will help their electorate.

In the recent state election, we have seen previously unsupportive federal members find their own road to Damascus, to now support the stadium, as they take up a new role in state government, even as ministers.

Likewise, the Labor Party has been timid and fearful in opposition by supporting the Liberal government’s position – and failing once again at the polls as it was punished by voters for its weakness and mixed messaging.

The Greens, who oppose the project, should also allow their members a conscience vote as some of their members may well be supportive of the stadium build.

By forcing politicians to vote on party lines, members may indeed have to vote against their own values and even more disheartening for me, against the wishes of their constituents.

I believe, Politicians should firstly be held directly accountable to those who elect them as a community leader and representative and not exist as a party nobody.

There’s no courage in hiding behind party room decision-making, so that in a decade’s time politicians can walk away from the consequences with their hands up in the air saying it wasn’t me, the party made me do it.

Forcing politicians to vote along party lines on contentious matters of this magnitude, defies logic and proves the weakness of that position and the party that enforces it.

An elected politician cannot be a trusted representative of their constituency if they vote in direct opposition to the majority of their constituents’ wishes.

All 38 party aligned members may well be supportive of their party’s position on the stadium, however, their communities may beg to differ and members must take note of their constituents before the wider community forever loses faith in politics and politicians.

Here is an opportunity for true leadership and transparency by the leaders of all three parties, to allow individual votes to be a matter of public record.

The final vote on the stadium project will undoubtedly be one of the most pivotal moments in Tasmanian politics, and one that will echo and impact for generations. It must be seen to be free and fair.

A conscience vote on the Macquarie Point Stadium project is imperative for a positive future for our Tasmania.

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