Around 15,000 people gathered at Hobart's parliament house on Sunday to express support for a proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point, in what organisers hoped would be Tasmania's largest ever political rally. The demonstration, held under rainy conditions, aimed to pressure crossbench members of the upper house ahead of a decisive vote this week.
The rally was a response to growing opposition to the $1.13bn stadium project, which was a condition of the AFL's invitation for Tasmania to join the national competition in 2023. Critics argue the cost is too high for Australia's poorest state, which is already $5bn in debt and had its credit rating downgraded last week. The federal government has committed $240m, while the AFL has offered only $15m for the roofed venue.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who addressed the crowd, championed the project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, saying, “We’re going to need an even bigger stadium” as the rain intensified. He praised attendees for standing “for something, not against something”. The pro-stadium event was backed by political leaders, including Labor leader Josh Willie and former Labor leader David O'Byrne, as well as sports and business figures.
Sunday's turnout came a week after an anti-stadium rally that organisers said attracted 7,000 people, though police estimated 1,500. The pro-stadium event was organised by Mark Brown, who described himself as “just a regular bloke from the suburbs” and urged upper house members to approve the stadium. The debate has become highly polarised, with opponents calling for funds to be redirected to health, education and housing, while supporters view the stadium as vital for Tasmania's future in the AFL.
