![\"Hoping](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/a89d19700d8f51774aec7d3d6dcc2589230ae11f.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Hoping to get the nod: The future of the Tasmania Devils could be contingent on whether the new stadium is built.Credit: AAPIMAGE<\/p>\n
How will the votes fall?<\/p>\n
To pass the Legislative Council, the government needs at least eight of the chamber\u2019s 15 votes.<\/p>\n
The Liberals have three \u2013 they are all expected to vote in favour \u2013 while Labor has three. That will be two votes in favour, but the third is Craig Farrell, who is the president of the upper house. It\u2019s uncertain which way Farrell will vote, but in cases where a vote is tied, the president traditionally votes in the negative.<\/p>\n
Independents Casey Hiscutt and Tania Rattray are reportedly likely to vote \u201cyes\u201d \u2013 that would bring support to seven votes.<\/p>\n
However, the Greens\u2019 Cassy O\u2019Connor and independent Meg Webb are set to oppose the motion.<\/p>\n
Independents Ruth Forrest, Mike Gaffney and Rosemary Armitage are reportedly leaning towards \u201cno\u201d as well.<\/p>\n
That leaves independents Dean Harriss and Bec Thomas with the crucial votes, each having raised issues about the stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can\u2019t pay for essential services without running up repeated billion-dollar deficits, it is reasonable to ask the question \u2013 how can we afford a billion dollar stadium?\u201d Harriss said in parliament last month.<\/p>\n
Thomas, a big basketball supporter, says her vote is \u201ccontingent on the government adequately funding grassroots sport\u201d, and not focusing solely on elite sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI acknowledge the passion with which people have argued their position on the stadium \u2013 both for and against, and I think it\u2019s a great shame that the dream of a Tasmanian AFL team has been so overshadowed by the division in the community, as evidenced by the rallies over the past two weekends,\u201d she told this masthead.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the outset I\u2019ve said I will fully consider all the issues and arguments prior to casting my vote.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loading<\/p>\n
Harriss was contacted for comment on Monday.<\/p>\n
When will we know?<\/p>\n
The upper house debate starts on Wednesday. Members can speak for as long as they like, meaning a vote may not be held until Thursday evening, according to government insiders. The government says a final decision must be made this year.<\/p>\n
What then?<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s approved, the state-owned Macquarie Point Development Corporation needs to get busy with site excavations. The plan is for the stadium to be built in time for the men\u2019s 2029 season.<\/p>\n
The Tasmanian government and Cricket Australia have also struck a deal for top-level games to switch from Bellerive to the new stadium.<\/p>\n
If the stadium is not approved, a government source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said there was no other way for the build to go ahead.<\/p>\n
The source expected the AFL to then turn its attention to expansion in the Northern Territory, because the state government would be in breach of its contract with the league for the 19th licence.<\/p>\n
It will then be up to the league to determine whether it backflips and allows the Tasmanian team to proceed without a new stadium, delays the licence, or even torpedoes the whole plan.<\/p>\n
The AFL was contacted for comment.<\/p>\n