Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to my repeated lobbying of you and your government to not contribute funding for a third AFL stadium in Tasmania—specifically, at Macquarie Point. Frankly, the community remains overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal and rightfully insists that more federal funding go to the things that really matter. Prime Minister, in light of all of this, will you rule out funding for this ridiculous idea?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Clark for his question. I am proud that Labor governments have such a strong history of investing in Tasmania. In the past I've certainly worked constructively, as a minister, with the member for Clark—formerly, prior to Clark, the electorate was called Denison—on constructive proposals including—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

including the $50 million that the federal government provided for the Macquarie Point site way back in 2012. It is true that since then there was a failure to invest and progress urban redevelopment on that site. I think that site is ideal for a significant urban project and renewal for Tasmania. I've thought that for a long period of time. It is unfortunate that the site still has remediation work to do.

I understand the member's position, and he's put it very clearly, but I'll continue to work constructively with the Tasmanian government of Premier Rockliff. I'll continue to engage with him. As the member knows, the Tasmanian Premier, in particular, has a very strong view about this. Proposals have been submitted to the government and they're being considered as part of our budget process. At the time, in 2012, I said this:

A carefully re-designed Macquarie Point precinct has the opportunity to transform the waterfront. It is a project that will boost Hobart's liveability, sustainability and the Tasmanian economy.

I want to make sure that we move beyond a debate just about a stadium or a non-stadium.

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Leichhardt.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to move towards making sure that we get appropriate residential, recreational and commercial activity at the site. Ultimately, we want to ensure that whatever happens at Macquarie Point produces maximum benefit for the people of Tasmania and that is what we'll be working towards.

I will continue to engage with the member for Clarke, as I will with other federal members of parliament and, indeed, with the Tasmanian state government, with whom I enjoy a positive relationship, as I do with all of the state governments. I had a positive relationship with Premier Perrottet as well and I wish him well for his future.