{"id":333418,"date":"2025-12-07T19:46:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T19:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/333418\/"},"modified":"2025-12-07T19:46:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T19:46:39","slug":"independent-mp-bec-thomas-in-tears-as-tasmanian-parliament-gives-green-light-to-new-afl-stadium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/333418\/","title":{"rendered":"Independent MP Bec Thomas in tears as Tasmanian parliament gives green light to new AFL stadium"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tasmania\u2019s contentious AFL<\/a> stadium has been given the green light by the state\u2019s parliament, paving the way for the Devils to enter the national competition.<\/p>\n

Constructing the $1.13 billion 23,000-seat roofed venue at Macquarie Point in Hobart is a condition of the club entering the AFL and AFLW in 2028.<\/p>\n

The project, backed by the governing Liberals and Labor opposition, on Wednesday garnered the support required from independent MPs to pass the upper house.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Bec Thomas, Tania Rattray and Casey Hiscutt declared they would back the stadium, meaning it has the eight votes needed.<\/p>\n

While a vote is unlikely to be held on Wednesday, the result is now a formality.<\/p>\n

The stadium has proven deeply divisive in Tasmania, with opponents declaring their fight isn\u2019t over despite parliamentary approval.<\/p>\n

\"IndependentIndependent Rebecca Thomas says the Hobart stadium decision is the hardest she has ever made. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

Thomas secured a deal with the Liberal government in return for her support, including capping the state\u2019s stadium contribution at $875 million and extra oversight of the build.<\/p>\n

She was briefly in tears during her speech to parliament and declared it was the hardest decision she has ever made.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am genuinely sorry to those who desperately did not want me to support this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really hope that in time you can come to understand the reasons behind my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas said concerns over the price tag were valid but the stadium was about hope, aspiration, opportunity and the AFL dream.<\/p>\n

Rattray, considered a likely \u2018yes\u2019 prior to the debate, said she wanted to create a legacy for future generations by approving the stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe forget that infrastructure is more than concrete and steel, it\u2019s about identity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In indicating his support, Hiscutt said the decision was complicated and monstrous and had implications for everyone in Tasmania.<\/p>\n

He acknowledged the state\u2019s had financial issues, but said the stadium would have very little material effect on the budget.<\/p>\n

The AFL is contributing $15 million to the stadium and the federal government $240 million, with Tasmania paying $375 million plus the remainder in borrowings.<\/p>\n

Critics say the project is not the right priority for the state amid ballooning debt set to more than double to $10 billion by 2028\/29.<\/p>\n

\"ShadowShadow concerns at the new Macquarie Point stadium in Tasmania has reportedly been solved. (PR IMAGE PHOTO) Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

Tasmania\u2019s planning authority recommended the stadium not go ahead, saying it was too big for the site and its costs outweighed its benefits.<\/p>\n

Thomas took a swipe at the government, saying it was up to them to deliver the project properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis government has not covered itself in glory through this process,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt dismissed expert concerns, ignored community feedback and only took me seriously when it realised project approval was on shaky ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Independent Ruth Forrest, who supports an AFL team, said she would vote \u2018no\u2019 and would never bow to external pressure.<\/p>\n

The government had bulldozed opposition, ignored expert advice and been involved in emotional blackmail of upper house members, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t lack vision for this state, I do have serious concerns about our financial trajectory,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who inked the AFL deal, said the agreed-to cap would be \u201cvalue managed\u201d and funds would be sought from elsewhere if needed.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Macquarie Point Stadium is a condition of Tasmania entering the AFL and AFLW in 2028. (PR IMAGE PHOTO) Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

\u201cThe project … is too important for Tasmania not to proceed. It is a huge opportunity for us in terms of the economy, jobs, aspiration and our own AFL and AFLW team,\u201d he told parliament.<\/p>\n

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff attacked Rockliff for once promising the stadium would cost the state $375 million and \u201cnot a red cent more\u201d.<\/p>\n

Anti-stadium group Our Place – Hobart said the fight against the stadium was only gearing up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGroups are already forming to fight this proposal in new ways. People are angry,\u201d spokesman Roland Browne said.<\/p>\n

\u201cParliament can permit the stadium to be built, but it cannot legislate reality to be different. And at some point reality will doom this unaffordable stadium.\u201d<\/p>\n

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