00:00The Premier's first press conference of 2025, and the first time he's answered questions
00:10about the scathing findings of economist Nicholas Gruen's government-commissioned report on
00:16the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
00:18You know, you ask two different economists and they'll provide you with three different
00:22answers.
00:23In the ten days since the report was released, the Premier hasn't held a press conference,
00:28responded directly to questions or agreed to an interview, instead using his social
00:33media to post a brief statement, as well as putting up photos and a video from his travels
00:39around the state.
00:40Well, I've made my position very clear on social media, Adam, and I'm here now.
00:47The report found the stadium's costs had been underestimated, the benefits overestimated
00:52and the project shows all the hallmarks of mismanagement.
00:56He'd particularly criticised the reliance on unspecified private investment and the
01:00tight timeframes.
01:01No doubt that'll be a challenge, but we'll work that through with the AFL, which is in
01:07the planning system at the moment, and indeed the private sector as well.
01:12The Premier confirming he'll be meeting with the AFL in the coming month.
01:16We will have discussions around a range of matters, including the High Performance Centre
01:20and work towards that, and so we're always in discussions with the AFL.
01:26The report was part of an agreement with Crossbench MPs.
01:29They've been disappointed in the lack of response so far, but pleased that it's generated
01:34discussion.
01:35It's a one-sided deal.
01:36This report gives us a chance to revisit that negotiation and come up with something that's
01:42more fairer up for Tasmanians.
01:44The stadium will need to pass both Houses of Parliament this year, once it's been assessed
01:48by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
01:50The government has also started to engage with the private sector to fund large parts
01:55of the Macquarie Point precinct, and the Premier says all details of those agreements will
02:00be made public.
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