Australia’s last Liberal state has been plunged into minority government after two MPs said they would quit the party over concerns related to a planned new AFL stadium in Hobart.
Bass MP Lara Alexander and Lyons MP John Tucker told reporters on Friday they were resigning from the Liberal Party because they disagreed with the way the state government had made decisions on the stadium and other infrastructure projects.
Both said they were concerned about the future debt awaiting Tasmania if the $715 million Macquarie Point Stadium went ahead as planned.
“For me, as an accountant, as an economist, as a person that has worked in a not-for-profit sector, it’s really hard for me to understand this particular investment. I just can’t get my head around it,” Alexander told a press conference.
Tucker said he wanted to “ensure for the Tasmanian taxpayers that this stadium doesn’t become a nightmare for them”.
“Mainly we’re worried about where we’re headed with debt,” he said.
The AFL demanded the new stadium as a “central condition” for agreeing to award Tasmania a team licence, the ABC reported.
The Albanese government announced before the budget they would invest $240 million to help Tasmania pay for the new stadium.
Tasmania was the only state that swung towards the Coalition at the last federal election and several marginal seats are in play on the island.
It’s the last state in Australia where the Liberal Party is in charge. After the resignations, Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s government will have just 11 out of 25 seats in the House of Assembly.
As much as I like seeing liberal governments suffer, I can’t help but question the judgment of politicians who wear Bob Katter hats.
Given the prevalence of skin cancer in Australia I applaud all people wearing hats! Even ones which look like a gimmick! 🙂
Yes – and in Tasmania in May!!
Not quite the same style hat as Katter.
Katter’s titfa remind me of that great Texan aphorism ” All Hat, No Cattle”
Unusual to see a Liberal standing on a principle that does not include a tax cut for those who don’t need it. Nevertheless, they should be applauded, Hobart needs housing far more than it needs a massively increased state debt.
Why does the AFL ‘demand’ a brand new stadium that by the time it is completed will cost close to $1 billion???????
It’s outrageous that they do not contribute significantly to the funding and enter into a long-term agreement over its use. After all they will be the long-term beneficiaries!
Here in the ACT the NRL are pressuring the Barr Labor Govt to commit to a new stadium in the centre of Canberra. Have not heard of any financial contribution as yet!!!!
Maybe Albo was more cunning than people realise- helping to wedge the Tasmanian Liberals by co-funding the stadium.