In the news
ABC NEWS: Tasmania to seek federal funds for ‘rapid bus’ line, which could form part of stadium transport planning
In short: A strategic business case for "rapid bus" development on Hobart's northern suburbs rail corridor is now overdue, and residents are being informed of further site investigations. The corridor has been the subject of more than 30 studies spanning 15 years —...
ABC RADIO: Kylie Baxter interviews Vica Bayley
On Drive with Kylie Baxter: The Tasmanian Government has confirmed it will introduce legislation to push the Macquarie Point AFL stadium forward, bypassing the planning process already underway. Vica Bayley is the Greens Member for Clark and gives his perspective on...
ABC NEWS: Macquarie Point stadium issues can be addressed by ‘conditions’ in legislation, premier says
In short: The next three months in Tasmanian Parliament will be critical to whether the proposed Macquarie Point stadium gains final approval. But the concerns raised by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) remain — and could need to be addressed in conditions to...
ABC RADIO: Leon Compton interviews Minister Abetz
The Tasmanian government will introduce legislation to push the Macquarie Point stadium through, bypassing the planning process. The project was going to be assessed by Tasmania's Planning Commission, but Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz tells Leon...
ABC NEWS: Tasmanian government to introduce ‘enabling legislation’ to pave way for Macquarie Point Stadium
In short: The Tasmanian government will introduce "enabling legislation" to progress the Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart, bypassing the Project of State Significance process currently underway. The stadium is a requirement for Tasmania to get its own AFL team....
ABC RADIO: Leon Compton in conversation with Saul Eslake
Leon Compton examines the fallout from the ABC's recent publication of articles by Chris Rowbottom and their use by the Premier to claim that Dr Gruen's report is 'tainted'. Leon's guests include Saul Eslake who describes the attacks on Dr Gruen's integrity as 'very...
ABC NEWS: Jeremy Rockliff began the week canvassing options for the stadium, now the urgency is creeping in
The first time the Premier spoke about the Tasmanian Planning Commission's scathing stadium report he described it as "perplexing", the following day it was "deeply concerning", a week later it was "tainted". These may seem like throwaway descriptions, but the careful...
Facebook: Appalled at treatment of experts (video)
Posted by Andrew Wilkie, Clark MP: It beggars belief that the Premier has criticised independent economist Dr Nicholas Gruen for simply doing his job, and doing it thoroughly, by consulting widely on the proposed stadium.
ABC NEWS: Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he ‘no longer has faith’ in two Hobart stadium reports
In short: The contentious Hobart AFL stadium project may be removed from its current planning and assessment process after the premier said he no longer had faith in two reports central to the project. The premier and other MPs have questioned a disclosure made in...
ABC NEWS: Jacqui Lambie suggests putting a ‘tent-like’ roof on Launceston’s York Park stadium
In short: Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie believes she has an answer to the AFL's mandated roofed stadium — and it involves a "tent-like" structure. Senator Lambie has long advocated for Tasmania's AFL team, the Devils, to be based in Launceston, and is now seeking...
ABC NEWS: Independent Hobart Macquarie Point stadium assessor amends report to include anti-stadium meetings
In short: The Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) introduced the author of an independent economic review of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium to anti-stadium activists before he was formally appointed to conduct the review. The JLN, which secured the review as part of a...
The Mandarin: Are you an agonocrat? Come to Hobart Stadium and watch a fake contest of ideas
Nicholas Gruen calls it “agonocracy” or rule by strife. It’s a neologism of his own devising. “Government by factions whose views are pre-determined by political advantage, culture war, and party discipline. Politicians, talking heads, and their supporting players in...