ABC News: Tasmanian public servant’s pro-stadium opinion piece had close involvement of football club, builders’ lobby

In short:

A 3,000-word opinion piece by a senior Tasmanian public servant in favour of the Macquarie Point stadium ahead of a crucial vote was described by the government as being done “independently”.

But emails show drafts had input and feedback by the Tasmania Devils AFL football club, subediting and media strategy by Master Builders Tasmania, and an intention to brief “key” upper house independents — none of which was disclosed in parliament.

Tasmania’s state service principles are that it is “apolitical” and acts in an “impartial” manner; the government did not provide evidence of approval for Coordinator-General John Perry’s piece.