Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Macquarie Point Stadium

Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Jacqui Lambie moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Indigenous Australians' answer regarding the Macquarie Point precinct. She argued that the stadium project lacked social licence, was driven by AFL demands rather than public interest, and ignored independent economic warnings about budget blowouts. Lambie criticised both the state and federal governments for prioritising the stadium over urgent social issues like homelessness and healthcare waitlists. The Senate agreed to the motion.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network) JLN

Lambie argued that the Macquarie Point stadium deal was imposed on Tasmanians without proper consultation or transparency. Lambie contended that opposing the stadium did not equate to opposing an AFL team for Tasmania, but rather rejecting a financially damaging agreement. Lambie cited independent reports by Saul Eslake and Dr Gruen, which warned of significant budget blowouts and financial instability caused by the project. Lambie asserted that the state government had ignored these expert findings in favour of a deal dictated by AFL clubs. Lambie also highlighted that federal funding had been wasted on administrative costs rather than infrastructure.