Bass Candidates Survey 2025

Since the announcement of yet another election, people from every corner of the state have taken a pledge to exercise their vote to put health, housing and education for all Tasmanians before the arrogant demands of the AFL for a stadium.

To help you honour that pledge, we asked every candidate one simple question:

If elected, will you oppose construction of an AFL stadium at Macquarie Point?

This is how they responded, with results displayed in alphabetical order and exactly as they were written:

Lauren Ball - Greens

Jack Davenport - Independent

Fenella Edwards - Independent

Jack Fittler - Greens

Daniel Groat - Independent

Tom Hall - Greens

Caroline Larner - Independent

Anne Layton-Bennett - Greens

Eric Marsh - Greens

Charlene McLennan - Greens

George Razay - Independent

Cecily Rosol - Greens

Tim Walker - Independent

Yes

The stadium is going to cost over a billion dollars. It’s had three budget blowouts, and it has massive problems, so the cost will keep going up. Tasmania deserves an AFL team, but we shouldn’t be forced to build a stadium. With the budget in disrepair, and so many problems that need fixing, we can’t afford it. Liberal and Labor politicians have broken promises, attacked independent experts, and tried to change the law to fast-track the stadium. We’ve always been the strongest voice against the stadium. That’s why voting Green is the best way to say no to the stadium.

Stuff the stadium. Fight for what matters.

NO NEW STADIUM!! We must elect representatives who will oppose this devastating development. We must have a team without building a new stadium, or not have a team at all. Please talk among your peers to harness power of the people and stand up to the Labor/Liberal duopoly - who both want the stadium!

The stadium is going to cost over a billion dollars. It’s had three budget blowouts, and it has massive problems, so the cost will keep going up. Tasmania deserves an AFL team, but we shouldn’t be forced to build a stadium. With the budget in disrepair, and so many problems that need fixing, we can’t afford it. Liberal and Labor politicians have broken promises, attacked independent experts, and tried to change the law to fast-track the stadium. We’ve always been the strongest voice against the stadium. That’s why voting Green is the best way to say no to the stadium.

Needs to be postponed at least for minimum of 10 years once team is set and successful. Other departments like health, education and housing needs that funding more.

The stadium is going to cost over a billion dollars. It’s had three budget blowouts, and it has massive problems, so the cost will keep going up. Tasmania deserves an AFL team, but we shouldn’t be forced to build a stadium. With the budget in disrepair, and so many problems that need fixing, we can’t afford it. Liberal and Labor politicians have broken promises, attacked independent experts, and tried to change the law to fast-track the stadium. We’ve always been the strongest voice against the stadium. That’s why voting Green is the best way to say no to the stadium.

The AFL contract/MAC Point deal is yet another example of cronyism and/or corporate hold over our politicians, whom I believe are not representing the people's choice nor people's interest. A strong contingent of Independents in Parliament is crucial, representing Tasmania for Tasmanians; and who do not accept corporate/ vested interest donations. Independents will demand transparency of documentation concerning the AFL deal; consider and weigh all submissions which may otherwise be ignored. Parliamentary privilege allows politicians with integrity to name names and call out the corruption, corporate influence or toxic culture in the halls of power. Help keep the politicians honest!

The stadium is going to cost over a billion dollars. It’s had three budget blowouts, and it has massive problems, so the cost will keep going up. Tasmania deserves an AFL team, but we shouldn’t be forced to build a stadium. With the budget in disrepair, and so many problems that need fixing, we can’t afford it. Liberal and Labor politicians have broken promises, attacked independent experts, and tried to change the law to fast-track the stadium. We’ve always been the strongest voice against the stadium. That’s why voting Green is the best way to say no to the stadium.

"There is no justification for the huge costs at a time when we are facing a growing social, housing, health, and economic crisis. UTAS Stadium has been successful in bringing $30m/y economic boom for Northern Tasmania with better attendance to football games in the north 16,000 compared to 8000 in Hobart. This will have a major negative impact economically on the North. If Tasmania has an AFL team we should share the games between the North and South fairly. This way all Tasmanians will support the AFL team which will be a true representative of all Tasmanians.

The stadium is going to cost over a billion dollars. It’s had three budget blowouts, and it has massive problems, so the cost will keep going up. Tasmania deserves an AFL team, but we shouldn’t be forced to build a stadium. With the budget in disrepair, and so many problems that need fixing, we can’t afford it. Liberal and Labor politicians have broken promises, attacked independent experts, and tried to change the law to fast-track the stadium. We’ve always been the strongest voice against the stadium. That’s why voting Green is the best way to say no to the stadium.

York Park is the home of AFL in Tasmania. The AFL are blackmailing an entire state. Games can be played at an improved York Park/Bellerive.

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Some questions you may be pondering:

What’s the most effective way to use my vote?

It can be hard to number a box for a prominent member of the stadium cult. But we acknowledge the expertise of Kevin Bonham and recommend you number every box to fully exhaust your vote. Dr Bonham explains:

Before this campaign is over, there will be many more parliamentary votes taken on a variety of questions determining the future of the Mac Point precinct and how much Tasmanians are prepared to forego to secure State AFL/W teams. This includes a new state budget.

We encourage votes for candidates who want to deliver a Mac Point site with amenities for all Tasmanians, while AFL is played at existing grounds. We encourage votes for candidates who believe in a sustainable budget, integrity in government and proper planning processes. Electing members who have pledged to stand with us will make all the difference when crucial votes are taken in the future.

What if I vote for the Liberal Party?

In your electorate (and in every electorate around the State), every Liberal Party candidate failed to respond. We know the Liberal Party will do everything it can to secure a stadium at Macquarie Point.

What if I vote for the Labor Party?

In your electorate (and in every electorate around the State), every Labor Party candidate failed to respond. We know the Labor Party has failed as an Opposition on this – and many other – issues. While it is known for its spectacular backflips, we think it is a safe bet that Labor will do everything it can to secure a stadium at Macquarie Point.

What if I vote for one of the other parties?

The other parties’ candidates were more responsive than Liberal or Labor.

We recommend that, when reading the results for these, you ensure that the candidate’s comments are consistent with their declared position. And have an eye to the party’s capacity to hold a consistent line.

What if I vote for an Independent?

It was only amongst the Independents that we found any responses fully supportive of a stadium.

We recommend that, when reading the results, you ensure that the candidate’s comments are consistent with their declared position. And remember that they are not in any sense “bound” as party members are – this makes it even more important that you learn as much about them as you can.

Where can I learn more about the candidates?

Where candidates have failed to respond, we are legally unable to report their position but we have serious doubts about their level of commitment to democratic process. For all candidates, where available, we have included links to sites that will give you more information about them.

We encourage you to do your own homework. And we recommend that, where you are considering parking your vote with a candidate who will vote to oppose a stadium, you take the time to find out more about their other views. Our campaign is about a stadium but we would not encourage people to vote for NO STADIUM candidates who hold other policy positions likely to cause harm to Tasmanian communities or individuals.

Vote to spend our money on health, housing and education, not a stadium.

Vote to ensure fair and democratic decisions about critical planning matters.

Get to know who is standing in Bass for the 19 July 2025 State election

Learn more about the candidates using these links: