It seems pretty clear stadium costs are set to rise, but the Liberals are intent on keeping another broken promise from the public. Given the Liberal Government’s commitment to spend no more than $875 million on the stadium, any increases must be put the Parliament.
Failed tenderer Webuild is set to receive millions for not building the stadium, despite previously setting a maximum reimbursement amount at $250,000. The Liberals haven’t disclosed just how much will be paid to the beleaguered company, or why there’s been an increase. It’s symptomatic of their policy of secrecy around stadium costs.
The Liberal Government denied the Middle East conflict would drive up the stadium construction costs when the Greens brought our concerns to the Parliament in May. Now it’s their latest talking point.
Asked if he’d stick to his stadium cost cap promise, the Premier has conspicuously refused to answer. It’s pretty obvious the government is set to break another stadium cost cap promise.
Under pressure from the Greens, the Liberals have committed to releasing the final stadium cost to the public before the contract for its construction is signed. But given their habit of trying to avoid scrutiny, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’re planning to make the new stadium price known in the morning, before signing the contract in the afternoon.
The Premier committed to the Parliament and the public to limit Tasmanian taxpayer’s money on the stadium to $875 million. If they’re planning to spend more than that, the Liberals need to bring the amount to Parliament for approval before any commitment is made.
Given the Minister Abetz’s declaration recently that he has a duty to be transparent, it was disappointing he wouldn’t commit to subjecting any stadium price rise to the accountability of Parliament. Parliament approved the stadium project on the basis of the Liberals’ cost cap promise, and they should be asked if they accept any increase.
Critical public service jobs are being slashed from a system that already can’t cope, while the government are spending more than a billion dollars on a stadium. With costs set to rise further, Tasmanians and the Parliament should have a say on whether any more taxpayer dollars should go towards the stadium.
