Tasmania’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium could get a GST exemption if the Liberals win the upcoming federal election.
Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton hinted at the potential move during a visit to the state on Sunday.
“We’re committed, obviously, to the stadium and there’ll be a debate, I think, around the GST which is ongoing with the government,” he said.
In May, Federal Labor confirmed that the Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Precinct would not be exempt from GST calculations, a decision that then-Treasurer Michael Ferguson described as a “shocking rejection”.
This means the cost of the stadium would be factored into Tasmania’s GST revenue.
“After more than 12 months of leaving Tasmanians in limbo, [Federal Treasurer Jim] Chalmers has finally given us clarity which we simply do not accept and will challenge,” Ferguson said at the time.
Dutton said that the Liberals are the only party that can “get Tasmania back on track”.
“If there’s a change of government at the next election, that’s exactly what we’ll do,” he said.
He acknowledged that the party is at a “disadvantage” due to a lack of official Treasury or Finance advice but said they would “do everything we can to support the people of Tassie”.
“We’re very happy to consider any request from the Rockliff Government around the GST or other issues,” he said.
The state government has pledged $375 million towards the $715 million project, with the federal government contributing $240 million, AFL $15 million and private investors covering any shortfall.
