The Tasmanian Greens have been unsuccessful in progressing a bill that would have ultimately put the brakes on the Macquarie Point stadium.
The ‘Hobart Cenotaph Bill 2024’ was drafted at the request of RSL Tasmania to prevent any development that would negatively impact the “cultural heritage and reverential ambience” of the Cenotaph.
Greens Deputy Leader Vica Bayley told Parliament the RSL felt they had been disrespected and misled by the state government at every turn.
“It is a sacred site, commemorating the service and sacrifice of Tasmanians sent far afield to defend what was seen at the time as our interests,” he said.
“Under any other circumstance, the Cenotaph would be sacrosanct. But such is the power of the AFL and the acquiescence of our leaders, when lined up next to the stadium, it appears it is dispensable.”
Independent David O’Byrne acknowledged the Cenotaph was a “very important and sacred place” and pointed out the vast range of previous uses from the Macquarie Point site.
“Over the last 50-odd years surrounding the Cenotaph there’s been a working railway, there’s been silos … circuses right next door … regattas, there’s events, it’s a car park,” he said.
“There’s a whole range of things that have occurred in and around that Cenotaph.”
“I know the RSL has a formal position and I respect the formal position.”
“I can’t support this bill because I think it’s designed to achieve a political outcome.”
Minister Eric Abetz accused the Greens of using the RSL and the guise of sightlines to “oppose the stadium”.
“It’s got nothing to do with the sightlines. It has everything to do with the project,” he said.
“If the Australian Greens were to be completely open and honest in this house, they would have to admit that this bill is simply a convenient vehicle to try to derail the multi-purpose stadium which holds so much promise for our state.”
Labor’s Jen Butler said the party “stand with veterans and will fight to ensure the Cenotaph is protected”.
“We do believe that the bill is not about our beloved Cenotaph. We believe that it’s a bill which undermines the planning process,” she said.
Independent Rebekah Pentland revealed she continues to remain “sceptical about the need” for a stadium.
“It pains me that our returned servicemen and women have been dragged into a political debate,” she said.
“I respect that many RSL members do not agree with the organisation’s official position on the stadium and I completely respect those views.”
The bill ultimately failed, with nine votes in favour and 25 against.
