Another day, another stadium spending blowout for the Liberals. It was confirmed in Parliament that there’s a further $240 million hole in the Liberal’s stadium spending.
The Liberals have consistently claimed that the Federal Government will provide $240 million to fund the construction of the stadium.
On the back of risk concerns being raised by Treasury, the Treasurer confirmed in Parliament that the Federal Government’s funding is to go towards the Mac Point precinct.
The funding agreement between state and federal governments requires ‘affordable, essential worker or social housing’ and wharf upgrades are delivered with the $240 million commitment.
The agreement in fact does not mention a stadium as part of the urban redevelopment of Macquarie Point. It leaves an up to $240 million black hole in the Liberal’s stadium spending commitments.
Any additional costs of building the stadium will need to be funded by the Rockliff Government. That’s more money that could be spent on health and housing for struggling Tasmanians.
Treasury’s Pre-Election Financial Outlook identified this as a significant risk to Tasmania’s finances. With Tasmania’s budget in a mess, the Liberals should be prioritising improving essential services – not building a stadium.
