Mr BAYLEY question to MINISTER for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, Mr BARNETT
Last week, at the explicit request of the RSL and its sub‑branches, we announced we will develop legislation to protect the Hobart Cenotaph from the impacts of your stadium. At 99 years, the Cenotaph is Australia’s oldest war memorial, with the site chosen specifically because of its prominent location and view fields across the city and down the Derwent. It is now on Tasmania’s heritage list, in part because of these sightlines. The size, bulk and height of your stadium will destroy these sightlines.
Last Friday, the RSL CEO said:
“I think the Tasmanian government may have underestimated the ferocity of [sic] which we would fight for what we believe is right. Sometimes it is difficult to be brave, sometimes it is hard to stand against the wind.”
Your shallow dismissal of the announcement was to retort that it was about the Greens’ opposition to ‘growth, development and progress’. This dismisses and politicises the concerns of the RSL. Will you commit to sitting down and respectfully hearing their commitment to the Cenotaph and fears for its special values?
The SPEAKER – The time for the question has expired.
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for his question and providing the opportunity to respond to the question. It is in two parts, because you have referred to the views of the Greens and the views of the RSL.
With respect to the views of the Greens, you are opposed to Macquarie Point. You have been since day one. You have been consistent. You oppose growth, development, jobs and progress –
Mr Bayley – You politicised their request to you, minister.
The SPEAKER – Thank you, you have asked the question.
Mr BARNETT – You have asked the question, I am responding. That is the first thing I would say: you are wanting to kill that project and you will do anything you can to make that happen.
However, on this side of the House, we respect RSL Tasmania. I have an ongoing working relationship with RSL Tasmania and the 17,500 veterans. There is nothing I enjoy more than standing up and advocating for their interests, and that is ongoing.
The Cenotaph is something that should be respected and commemorated. We are committed to ensuring that occurs on this side of the House and, I hope, across the Chamber. We are committed to a transparent process. There needs to be consultation. At every stage we want to ensure that not just RSL Tasmania but the Vietnam veterans association, Soldiers Memorial Walk and the 17,500 veterans across the state will be consulted on our plans.
It has to go through due process. Those concept plans will be released, I am advised, in coming weeks, in the not‑too‑distant future. That is encouraging. That is an appropriate process and I expect full consultation, full engagement with the RSL and other veterans in that regard. I am looking forward to ongoing consultation with the RSL and other veterans to ensure their interests are protected. This is important. The Premier and I met with the RSL at the Cenotaph last year, and that relationship is, of course, ongoing. I appreciate the opportunity to hear your concerns and also the concerns expressed by John Hardy and RSL Tasmania. They are taken very seriously and I will continue to take those concerns seriously and ensure that there is ongoing consultation and engagement, particularly when the concept plans are released.
I am looking forward to RSL Tasmania’s state congress this weekend at Orford, to being with my colleagues and friends in the veteran community on Saturday night and Sunday.
The SPEAKER – Minister, the time for answering has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Mr BAYLEY – A supplementary question, Speaker.
The SPEAKER – I will hear a supplementary.
Mr BAYLEY – Honourable Speaker, the minister said the RSL will be consulted going forward. The logical question that flows from that is what are you prepared to change about your stadium in terms of the size, bulk, the 23,000 seats and the roof? Are you prepared to change the stadium to accommodate the views of the RSL and protect the Cenotaph? This flows directly from your answer.
Mr SPEAKER – You do not need to make an argument around the question. The supplementary is in order, as it arises from part of the answer given by the minister. I will call the minister for a brief answer.
Mr BARNETT – Thank you for the supplementary question. I expect ongoing consultation and engagement with our veteran community, specifically with RSL Tasmania. The Premier and I have made it clear that consultation has occurred and will continue to occur. I am determined to ensure that when those concept plans are released, there is consultation and engagement.
We have one of the best architects in the world leading this process with our plans for Macquarie Point and the precinct. It is very exciting. I would like to see real opportunities to take on board the veteran community’s concerns, and to ensure that occurs. We are absolutely committed to that and I am looking forward to further engagement and consultation.
