Bridget Archer, former federal independent MP, recently defeated for her seat in the last federal election. Now, she’s excited to gain preselection from the state Liberal Party for the seat of Bass. She has publicly supported the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. This is a huge change from the previous Minister’s hardline position against Tasmania being able to set its own investment priorities. Archer famously asked why state tax dollars were being spent on an AFL stadium while the state was slashing funding for schools and other vital services. These days, her enthusiasm is fully focused on building a grassroots sports infrastructure.
With Jeremy Rockliff at the helm Archer boasts assuredly, the Liberal team is as one. They have consistently provided unequivocal support for the Macquarie Point stadium project. This follows a lot of public debate about whether such a facility was needed, or even realistic, in Hobart. During a recent rally, Archer submitted a speech emphasizing the importance of having an AFL team in Tasmania, solidifying her new position.
A Change in Perspective
Like his predecessor, in 2022 Archer claimed it was time for Tasmania to choose investment in health services over the duplication of AFL teams. Her latest statements are a world away from that. She has since switched her support to the stadium, which she argues is necessary groundwork for the region’s sporting future.
She discussed the implications of planning with ABC Radio last month in an exclusive interview. She conceded that the ballpark became an issue in her federal campaign. “Certainly, there was a lot of commentary on the doors, on the streets from constituents about their frustration about moving forward with the stadium,” stated Lynne Ferencz, highlighting public sentiment surrounding the project.
That has left supporters of the downtown stadium proposal worried, but Archer has made recent assurances. She is “100 per cent locked in” to supporting it. “I’m a foundation member of the Devils, like many other Tasmanians, and we know if we don’t have a stadium we don’t have a team,” she declared.
The Road Ahead for Tasmania
Archer’s renewed support for the stadium initiative comes at a time when the state government faces pressure to justify its investments in public infrastructure. She emphasized that it is incumbent upon the government to demonstrate that it can effectively deliver essential services while pursuing development projects like the stadium.
“This is ultimately going to be a matter for the state government, but there is no doubt it is still a barnacle for a lot of people in terms of whether they think it’s the right approach,” Ferencz noted, reflecting concerns about public perception and fiscal responsibility.
The Macquarie Point stadium proposal has generated a phenomenal level of interest, not just among residents but their elected representatives as well. Archer’s partnership with Rockliff shows a clear attempt to coalesce all party members around one vision to move Tasmania forward moving into the future. “We have an incredible group of people who work as a united team and who want to build a better Tasmania,” said Felix Ellis, reinforcing the collaborative spirit within the Liberal Party.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Archer makes deep and consistent efforts to connect with her constituents. She is passionate about ensuring their voices are listened to and understood in local development projects. Though she has painted herself into a corner on the stadium, her commitment to a mandate to hear community input is strong as ever.
These days, the former MP is focused on helping Britain’s neighborhoods heal. She’s doing everything she can to get back in with voters after having lost her federal seat last month. Archer’s move is a savvy, proactive bid to regain her political footing. She has become a strong voice for her constituents and for the issues she knows they care about.
