Labor welcomes Premier Rockliff’s decision to backflip on his UTAS legislation and adopt Labor’s policy.

Make no mistake: until today, the Liberals had proposed legislation that was going to leave its prime land vacant, unused and the University unable to fund its $500 million science and technology facility.

Our position has been clear, we have opposed the anti-development legislation for months and strongly supported the construction of up to 2,000 homes at the Sandy Bay campus and funding for its new $500 million STEM facility. We’ve stood with UTAS since July and will continue to do so. 

We are ecstatic to get this outcome for the University, students and people who need better housing options.

It’s a huge departure from their original position, the Liberal caucus and members of the crossbench providing confidence and supply were only informed this morning.

If his own party can’t trust Premier Rockliff, how can Tasmanians?

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader