Labor has ruled out forming a government with The Greens but is open to their support on supply and confidence in the new parliament, where they are expected to secure nine or ten seats, while the Liberals maintain at least 14 seats. A majority requires 18 seats. Greens MP Cassy O’Connor has criticized Opposition Leader Dean Winter for triggering this early election through a no-confidence motion, a move that she argues cost him votes. This mandated election has postponed a significant vote regarding the contentious Macquarie Point stadium project, highlighting intense divided opinions on the issue, which is linked to the possible establishment of a new Tasmanian AFL team, The Devils.
Local citizens, such as Hobart resident Travis Price, reflect a growing interest in politics sparked by the stadium proposal. Price, who voted Liberal, feels that the party is more likely to advocate for the stadium’s completion. His father, James Price, traditionally a Labor supporter, switched his vote to Liberal, blaming Labor for instigating the election that jeopardizes the stadium project, as significant funds have already been expended. In contrast, Sharyn White, a football fan, opposes the stadium initiative, deeming the AFL’s deal unfair and wishing for the emergence of independent candidates who might break from the dominant two-party discourse to address broader issues like housing and education, overshadowed by the stadium debate.
In 2023, Tasmania was granted a license for its own AFL team, contingent on building a new roofed stadium to accommodate 23,000 fans. However, political wrangling has complicated the situation, with recent polling indicating that around 60% of Tasmanians oppose the stadium development, despite widespread support from Labor and the Liberals. Premier Jeremy Rockliff asserts that the election triggered by Winter has endangered state progress, arguing that only a majority Liberal government can provide certainty and stability amid the turmoil surrounding the stadium project.
Winter counters that under the Liberals’ 11 years in power, Tasmanians have little to show for it, highlighting mismanagement in various sectors including health, while also insisting that many voters would prefer a hung parliament where Labor works with the Greens. Furthermore, in this scenario, both the Greens and independents may push for significant amendments to the stadium plans, which have sparked extensive public demonstrations, as seen in a march by pro-stadium fans just hours after the polls opened, demanding the project’s approval.
High-profile independent candidate Kristie Johnston uses the stadium proposal as a “filter question” in her campaigning, suggesting it reflects deeper systemic issues such as housing and healthcare. Many voters resonate with such sentiments, believing the project is not financially feasible and does not serve the community’s needs. Similarly, Heidi Mirtl emphasizes that the visible debate over the stadium embodies the critical values influencing voter behavior, arguing that resources ought to prioritize essential services over luxury projects.
The political landscape in Tasmania is complicated by the Hare-Clark electoral system, promoting proportional representation and enhancing the prospects for minor parties and independents. David O’Byrne, a prominent independent candidate, acknowledges the new political energy surrounding the stadium issue has mobilized voters who seek strategic support for establishing a local AFL team. He emphasizes a constructive approach to governance, aiming to collaborate with whichever party forms the new government, while also addressing issues of past controversies within Labor, showcasing the ongoing influence of personal histories and party dynamics in Tasmania’s political sphere.
