Today’s release of the Gruen report has raised serious questions about Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s ability to deliver the stadium he promised Tasmanians would be on time and on budget.

Labor wants to see a stadium built in Hobart because it will create jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians and deliver the AFL and AFLW sides the state deserves. We want to see it delivered on time and on budget, but for that to happen the project needs to be managed properly. 

The evidence presented by Dr Gruen paints a picture of yet another project being mismanaged by the Liberals. The last thing Tasmania can afford is a repeat of the Spirits fiasco when it comes to the stadium, but many are rightly worried that’s exactly where we’re headed.

The report also leaves the Premier’s commitment of spending $375 million and “not a red cent more” in tatters.

It is extremely telling that the Government tried to sneak this report out during a period when many Tasmanians are still on holidays. 

They owe it to Tasmanians to front up and answer the many questions it raises, and this morning I’ve written to Minister Abetz to request a briefing so we can get the full story.

Jeremy Rockliff staked his leadership on being able to deliver this project on time and budget but the more time that passes the more this is looking like the second coming of the ferries fiasco.

Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Sport