Tasmanian Labor are trying to find the best way to get approval of the Macquarie Point Stadium. While still backing the stadium, it's opened the door to ditching the Premier's plan to fast-track legislation if it wins the upcoming state election.
00:00The proposal for a stadium on Hobart's waterfront has divided Tasmanians.
00:07But plans for special enabling legislation to approve the project have proved just as controversial.
00:13Well we have to get it approved and finding the right approval process to maximise the chances of actually getting it built is the most important priority here.
00:20Labor backs a stadium but says it's consulting on the best way forward for approvals.
00:26It could see them dumping the special legislation and keeping the project in the current approval process with the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
00:34We need to make sure that whatever goes to the Legislative Council can actually get approval.
00:38Upper House independents who would be needed for it to pass are among those raising concerns about process.
00:44But the Premier says tight timelines require the fast tracking.
00:48The Parliament would have been debating the legislation next month had an election not been called.
00:54Still opposed to the stadium, the Greens are also calling for the legislation to be ditched.
00:59It's fast tracking and taking away from a process which is already in place with the Planning Commission.
01:05I'm very passionate about opportunity for young people in Tasmania.
01:10Opinion polling has shown the stadium to be unpopular with voters, but both major parties are still backing it.
01:17Labor's consultation period could be seen as the first acknowledgement from either that it's a drag on their respective campaigns.
01:25Or perhaps a Hail Mary to get the project over the line.
