A leading independent economist has raised alarms over Tasmania's proposal to build an AFL stadium on Hobart's waterfront, labeling it as already exhibiting signs of mismanagement and warning that costs could exceed $1 billion. This revelation adds to the mounting criticism directed at the state's minority Liberal government, particularly from independent member Kristie Johnston, who has expressed a profound lack of confidence in the administration.
Johnston's sentiments come in light of the government's decision to cancel an Integrity Commission review, a move that has further eroded trust. She is seeking an urgent meeting with Premier Jeremy Rockliff to discuss her concerns, which she believes are indicative of a broader issue within the government. “The Rockliff government's brazen cave-in to gambling interests… and its anti-democratic support for large developers over local communities on planning decisions are other examples where the interests of Tasmanians are given the back seat by the government,” Johnston stated.
Her discontent is compounded by the government's "cavalier" dismissal of both last year's Eslake report and the Gruen report concerning the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. Johnston emphasized the importance of accountability amid allegations of mismanagement. Andrew Jenner, a prominent critic, reinforced Johnston's concerns, stating that “neither the premier nor the government can be trusted.”
In a related matter, Labor MP Josh Willie is eager to scrutinize the government's newly announced hiring freeze on “non-essential” public service workers when parliament reconvenes next Tuesday. The freeze follows an increase in state service employees since the COVID-19 pandemic and has raised questions about its implications for public services. “We had an election less than 12 months ago and these sorts of statements from people like Kristie Johnston are harming our economy, they're harming business confidence,” Willie commented.
The Community and Public Sector Union's (CPSU) Natalie Jones also condemned the government's actions, calling the abandonment of the Integrity Commission review “a very bad decision with some real consequences.” She stressed the critical nature of every public service job, asserting, “Every job in the public service is absolutely essential; to lose a member of the team who can support someone like a police officer or a nurse is absolutely devastating.”
The government, however, maintains that it still enjoys support from the crossbench, according to Treasurer Guy Barnett. He expressed confidence in their continuing collaboration: “We look forward to collaborating with all of the crossbench. The relationships are positive and of course we want to continue to work with the crossbench… we appreciate they have a very important role to play.”
Despite reassurances from government officials, Johnston and independent MP David O'Byrne have retained the right to vote as they choose in parliament, despite having previously provided formal guarantees of confidence and supply to the government last April. Meanwhile, former JLN MPs-turned-independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland have voiced their disappointment over the government's decision but have opted not to revoke their deal with the administration.
