Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Tasmania’s Legislative Council to approve the Macquarie Point stadium, warning members not to let the project “go backwards”.
Speaking in Canberra on Thursday, Albanese made a direct appeal to upper house members ahead of a crucial vote expected next week.
“I take this opportunity to call upon members of the Legislative Council in Tasmania to vote for the stadium and to vote for Tasmania getting a footy club,” he said.
“Vote for Tasmanian young people having the opportunity to stay in Tasmania and to dream of playing for the Tassie Devils.”
“You have an important task ahead in the coming week and I don’t want to see that go backwards.”
The $1.13 billion stadium at Macquarie Point is a condition of the AFL granting Tasmania a licence for the Devils’ 2028 entry into the competition.
The Legislative Council has set aside December 3 and 4 for its crucial vote on the project.
The government needs at least eight votes in the 15-member chamber, with six already secured from Liberal and Labor MPs.
Four MLCs have confirmed they will vote against the project, leaving the remaining five independents holding the balance of power.
The House of Assembly approved the stadium order earlier this month, passing it 25 to 9.
It was supported by the Liberals, Labor, independent David O’Byrne and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco.
The federal government has pledged $240 million towards the Macquarie Point precinct.
Albanese made his remarks while announcing federal environment reforms, noting he had met with Premier Jeremy Rockliff earlier in the week and describing their relationship as “very good”.
The upcoming vote will determine whether construction can go ahead, with a tender expected early next year if the project gets the green light.
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