Overview

• The Tasmanian Planning Commission’s final assessment recommended the Hobart stadium not proceed, finding overstated benefits, unacceptable heritage impacts and a return of about 45 cents on the dollar.
• Premier Jeremy Rockliff rejected the advice and will bring an enabling order in the first week of November, with debate to begin during the budget session and parliamentary approval required in both houses.
• Tasmanian Labor reaffirmed support after a caucus meeting, saying the stadium is necessary for the Tasmania Football Club and AFL/AFLW teams, while the Greens pressed for full costings and warned against a rushed process.
• Independent MLCs, including Ruth Forrest who has not declared a position, will determine the outcome and have raised concerns about considering the complex proposal alongside the state budget and the risk of further cost escalation.
• Senator Jacqui Lambie called on the crossbench to block the project as the commission projected up to $1.8 billion in state costs and the build price rose to roughly $1.13–$1.2 billion, while Treasurer Eric Abetz said no tax rise would be required.