Premier Jeremy Rockliff says it will be a "challenge" for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium to be built in time for the 2029 AFL season. He's answered questions for the first time about an economist's report that cast doubt on the stadium's cost and the AFL's timeframes.
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00:00The Premier's first press conference of 2025, and the first time he's answered questions
00:10about the scathing findings of economist Nicholas Gruen's government-commissioned report on
00:16the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
00:18You know, you ask two different economists and they'll provide you with three different
00:22answers.
00:23In the ten days since the report was released, the Premier hasn't held a press conference,
00:28responded directly to questions or agreed to an interview, instead using his social
00:33media to post a brief statement, as well as putting up photos and a video from his travels
00:39around the state.
00:40Well, I've made my position very clear on social media, Adam, and I'm here now.
00:47The report found the stadium's costs had been underestimated, the benefits overestimated
00:52and the project shows all the hallmarks of mismanagement.
00:56He'd particularly criticised the reliance on unspecified private investment and the
01:00tight timeframes.
01:01No doubt that'll be a challenge, but we'll work that through with the AFL, which is in
01:07the planning system at the moment, and indeed the private sector as well.
01:12The Premier confirming he'll be meeting with the AFL in the coming month.
01:16We will have discussions around a range of matters, including the High Performance Centre
01:20and work towards that, and so we're always in discussions with the AFL.
01:26The report was part of an agreement with Crossbench MPs.
01:29They've been disappointed in the lack of response so far, but pleased that it's generated
01:34discussion.
01:35It's a one-sided deal.
01:36This report gives us a chance to revisit that negotiation and come up with something that's
01:42more fairer up for Tasmanians.
01:44The stadium will need to pass both Houses of Parliament this year, once it's been assessed
01:48by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
01:50The government has also started to engage with the private sector to fund large parts
01:55of the Macquarie Point precinct, and the Premier says all details of those agreements will
02:00be made public.