Newly independent MP Rebekah Pentland has expressed ongoing doubts about the proposed multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point, saying she is “far from convinced” by the project.
Pentland previously voiced concerns about the stadium’s cost and potential for budget blowouts as a member of the Jacqui Lambie Network.
“While I wouldn’t endorse Senator Lambie’s colourful suggestions as to where the stadium should go, I’m not convinced it should be built at Macquarie Point either,” the Bass MP said.
“[On Wednesday] the first budget blowout was confirmed well before the first sod had been turned. If other major infrastructure projects are anything to go by, it may be the first of many.”
The state government has capped its contribution to the stadium at $375 million, a figure Premier Jeremy Rockliff equated to what the state spends on health every 42 days.
But Pentland remains skeptical as to how any shortfall would be met.
“What sort of public private partnership are you going to sign the state up to? What risks will taxpayers take on? What payments will taxpayers be liable for?” she said.
“I asked the Premier earlier this week to guarantee there would be greater transparency in Tasmania. He told the House there would be and that’s a promise I’ll be making sure he sticks to.”
“If the government has attracted interest from the private sector it needs to be clear about what sort of partnership is on the table.”
Pentland further questioned whether the stadium is a financially sound decision in light of last week’s state budget.
“It’s an unreasonable ask of a state in a fragile budget position,” she said.
“I’m excited about a Tasmanian team in the AFL. It’s well deserved and overdue. But a new stadium is a different proposition altogether.”
Pentland went on to say the Tasmania Devils AFL and AFLW teams should be based out of Launceston during the Macquarie Point stadium construction phase.
