The Premier has finally admitted what he never would before – that the cost of the stadium could blow out even further.
When the Premier signed the AFL deal, he signed the state of Tasmania up to being responsible for every dollar of cost overruns for the stadium. But regardless of the obvious risk of this contract, Jeremy Rockliff has insisted it won’t be a problem because the project cost is under control. That is until now.
Despite the stadium price tag having already skyrocketed by $400 million, the Premier has always downplayed the risk of cost overruns. But under questioning from the Greens, the Premier has now admitted that while $1.13 billion is the current estimate, he recognises the cost of the project may still increase further.
Of course, most Tasmanians already know the stadium cost is likely to keep blowing out. But to hear the Premier admit this possibility on the day the project comes to Parliament is remarkable.
