Media Release: Government Consultation Sham on Contentious Macquarie Point Stadium Bill

Government Consultation Sham on Contentious Macquarie Point Stadium Bill

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb has described the tabling by the Rockliff government of the Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 as an outrageous sham, despite public consultation on the draft legislation still open until Monday, June 16

“The Rockliff Government tabling the Macquarie Point Permit Bill in the Parliament despite public consultation still open on the exposure draft is a kick in the teeth to all Tasmanians who had engaged in that process in good faith,” Ms Webb said.

“This is the behaviour of arrogant dictators, not elected representatives seeking to work with the community.

“Last Tuesday Minister Abetz issued a media release inviting Tasmanians to participate in public consultation on the draft Bill, with feedback due by the end of  Monday, June 16.

“Barely seven days later a Bill which appears to be virtually the same as the consultation draft is formally introduced into the Parliament.

“What a misleading and outrageous sham. How dare this Government treat Tasmanians with such contempt? 

“Why should people make the effort to provide considered thoughtful feedback on the draft Bill when Minister Abetz has snubbed his nose to those efforts, and turned his back on that process?

“Does Minister Abetz delight in pulling swifties on Tasmanians?  This behaviour is deliberately inflammatory, divisive, and is just plain rude.”

Ms Webb said Premier Rockliff must pull his Minister into line and pull the Bill from the Parliament. 

“At the very least the Premier needs to reassure Tasmanians the Bill will not be debated until after the consultation period has closed and all feedback is genuinely and carefully considered,” Ms Webb said.