Jacqui Lambie, an influential senator from Tasmania, joined thousands of Tasmanians in a rally against the proposed $715 million AFL stadium, which is considered crucial for the state's entry into the Australian Football League. The rally took place just a day after the project caused the Rockliff government, Tasmania's only state Liberal government, to lose its majority.
Concerns over state debt and lack of government transparency regarding the stadium's construction on the outskirts of Hobart's central business district led to the resignation of two MPs, precipitating the government's minority status. These concerns resonated with the rally attendees, who held signs with messages like "Team yes, Stadium No. Tell the AFL where to go!" and "We can't eat stadiums or submarines."
During the rally, musicians performed a song that exclaimed, "You can stick your stadium up your bum," receiving applause from the crowd. Senator Jacqui Lambie also voiced her opposition, telling Premier Jeremy Rockliff, "Tasmanians have had a bloody gutful over your stadium, and you can stick it up your bum."
Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who earlier described the proposed 23,000-seat arena as a potential "monument to stupidity" or a "giant bedpan," addressed the rally as well.
The Labor opposition in Tasmania expressed discontent with the AFL's demand for a stadium as a condition for granting Tasmania a team license. Opposition leader Rebecca White stated that while Tasmania deserved a team, the stadium requirement had ruined what should have been a unifying moment for the state.
Independent MP Meg Webb emphasized the need for Premier Rockliff to regain the trust of Tasmanians by ensuring transparency in the AFL stadium deal. Webb criticized the government for dismissing the concerns and questions raised by Tasmanians from all walks of life.
The resignation of the two MPs has left the Tasmanian Liberals with a minority government, holding 11 out of 25 seats in the House of Assembly. To pass legislation, they will now require the support of at least two of the six crossbenchers.
While defending the stadium, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed out that plans for upgrading the Macquarie Point site had been in motion since at least 2012 when he served as infrastructure minister under Julia Gillard's government.
