Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has given a commitment to transparency in any public-private partnership deal for the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
Independent MP Rebekah Pentland questioned the Premier during state parliament on Tuesday, citing cost overruns and predictions that the stadium could exceed the $715 million budget.
“With most informed predictions putting a total above $1 billion, you’re going to be relying on the private sector picking up a huge portion of the tab,” she said.
“Given that, will you commit to complete transparency when it comes to any public-private partnership?”
Rockliff responded by saying the government would be “open and transparent” about funds obtained alongside the state’s $375 million contribution, the federal government’s $240 million and the AFL’s $15 million.
Currently, a minimum of $85 million will need to be raised through other channels.
“I’m confident that this will be very attractive for private investors in Tasmania,” Rockliff said.
“And, of course, we’ll be open and transparent about that process.”
Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff also questioned the stadium allocation, highlighting budget cuts in health, education, child safety, parks and “so many more agencies”.
“It’s a building the state doesn’t need, on land earmarked for far greater community and public facilities,” she said.
Rockliff again insisted that the government is “investing in services and investing in intergenerational infrastructure that keeps the economy strong”.
“Good governments, of course, can do both and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said.
“We’ll continue our investment in intergenerational infrastructure including the Macquarie Point Precinct, which will include, of course, the stadium.”
