The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) has thrown its support behind the government’s Macquarie Point stadium, after its push for an independent review of rival proposals was knocked back by parliament.
The business group announced a week after asking the Public Accounts Committee to conduct a comparative analysis of competing stadium designs before any parliamentary vote.
But on Tuesday, the committee advised the chamber that such a review was beyond its powers – prompting the TCCI to formally endorse the government’s preferred option.
Chief executive Michael Bailey said the chamber’s board had received detailed briefings on all proposals from their proponents before making its decision.
“… The TCCI board has resolved to support the government’s Macquarie Point stadium proposal, subject to it gaining the support of the parliament,” he said.
In its October 13 letter to the committee, the chamber had called for a thorough examination of the financial and economic implications of each design.
It argued it would boost public confidence in whichever project emerged as the best option.
Bailey had said such a review would “help depoliticise this important infrastructure debate, strengthen public trust and ensure that the chosen project represents genuine value for Tasmania’s future”.
With that path now closed, the TCCI said it would shift its focus to ensuring local businesses reap the rewards if the project goes ahead.
“If passed by the parliament, the stadium will be a once in a generation taxpayer funded injection into our economy and Tasmanian businesses must come first in benefiting from it,” Bailey said.
The chamber said it would work to limit the involvement of interstate consultants and contractors.
It also doubled down on its opposition to any tax increases to fund the development, warning it would “unapologetically” hold the government to its commitment not to raise taxes.
The TCCI’s backing marks the latest shift in its stance on the stadium.
In August last year, it outlined six principles for any stadium development – including a strong business case and maximum private investment – but declined to endorse a specific site or proposal.
Parliament is expected to vote on the project in the coming weeks, with the stadium’s future hanging in the balance.
