This is just madness. Even Rob Sitch and Utopia could not come close to this.
Andrew Wilkie in parliament today criticised the AFL’s demand for Tasmania to build a third AFL stadium at Macquarie Point, highlighting the state’s existing facilities in Launceston and Hobart. He noted the initial cost of $715 million had escalated to $1.13 billion, with a projected total cost to taxpayers of $3.5 billion over a decade. Wilkie cited the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s report, which recommended against the project, and criticised the government and opposition for ignoring expert advice.
He emphasised Tasmania’s pressing needs in housing and healthcare, with 5,000 on the social housing waitlist and a median wait time for public dentistry of nearly four years. He argued the state is being “bullied,” already has two suitable AFL venues and is on the verge of bankruptcy all while essential services like housing and health crumble.