Macquarie Point AFL stadium shaping up as a vote-changing issue for Tasmanian election

For Tasmanians, the proposed Macquarie Point stadium is likely to play at least some role in who they vote for at the upcoming state election.

According to ABC Your Say responses, the stadium remains the hot-button issue.

Of more than 1,000 respondents who told the ABC what issues were important to them this election, the vast majority referenced the stadium as a key issue — or at least something they are thinking about ahead of polling day.

Your Say is not a poll but a platform for people to contact the ABC.

Tasmanians from a range of demographics filled in the Your Say form but a majority of respondents were over the age of 60.

So, what are Tasmanians telling the ABC when it comes to the stadium?

And could the stadium act as a vote changer for Tasmanians?

First-time state Greens candidate Vanessa Bleyer, who is running in the north-west seat of Braddon, believes so.

"Nine out of 10 people in Braddon are raising the stadium to me very quickly as a core issue to them in their state election," she said.

"At least half of the people I've spoken to who are opposed to funding a billion-dollar stadium in Hobart are changing their vote to oppose that funding."

Greens candidate Vanessa Bleyer was out doorknocking in Penguin, in the state's north-west. (Facebook: Vanessa Bleyer)

Ms Bleyer's experience has been reflected in a number of responses to Your Say.

Leanne in Devonport said she could flip her vote.

"I am a Labor voter and a member of the ALP, but I will probably be voting for the Greens this election if the ALP is still wanting to spend a fortune on a football ground."

Beatrice in Shearwater voted Labor at the May federal election, but could also swing to the Greens because of the stadium.

"I would like to vote Labor as I'm pleased with federal Labor, but I can't if they're going ahead with the stadium. So, it's the Greens for me this time," she said.

Ms Bleyer said she'd spoken to both Labor and Liberal voters who planned on changing their vote to oppose the stadium.

"I've had people who tell me they usually vote Liberal, but they'll be voting Greens this time," she said.

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Independent candidate Craig Garland, who is seeking re-election in Braddon, said he was being delivered a clear message by his constituents.

"The amount of people emailing and stopping me in the street and telling me: 'If you support the stadium, you haven't got my vote', it's quite clear it's the number one issue for them," he said.

Among those in attendance at north-west football grounds, opinions were split.

Melissa Bishop. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)

"I don't think it should be a cut-throat deal, no stadium no team," Melissa Bishop said, referring to the AFL's stipulation that without the roofed stadium at Macquarie Point, Tasmania does not get to enter a team into the national competition.

But she said it would not influence her vote.

"It's definitely not at the top of my priorities," she said.

"It'd be better off in Launceston. It'd be fairer for the rest of the state," Doug Rowlings from Devonport told the ABC.

"People in Smithton aren't going to travel all the way to Hobart for a game of football, then travel home," he said.

Doug Rowlings. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)

While not eligible to vote, Circular Head junior footballer Harvey Vanderlaan, aged 13, said he would like to see the stadium.

"The Launceston stadium, I don't reckon would be big enough for a Tassie team. We'd need a new one in Hobart," he said.

Harvey Vanderlaan. (ABC News: Mackenzie Heard)

Liberal candidate for Bass Rob Fairs, whose electorate takes in the northern city of Launceston, said the Devils AFL team was coming up regularly while he was doorknocking.

"While people are taking the opportunity to hear about the benefits a stadium will bring them in the north, they know what's at stake and they are telling me they'll vote to save the dream," he said.

Your Say: Tell us what matters to you this Tasmanian election Photo shows Have your say for the Tasmanian election. We want to know what issues matter most to you and what you want us to find out as Tasmania goes to another election.

Hamish in West Launceston told Your Say it was "critical" that a Jeremy Rockliff-led Liberal government was re-elected so that the stadium could be built.

While David in Whitemark on Flinders Island said his vote would change.

"At the next election, I will be voting for the Liberal party for the first time ever," he told Your Say.

Lesley in Newstead, also in Bass, said they would be voting informally because of the stadium.

"I cannot place a valid vote.

" I won't vote Liberal or Labor as they both want to spend valuable money on a sports venue when there are more fundamental services that require funding. "

Independent candidate David O'Byrne thinks people will change their vote towards a candidate who supports the stadium. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)

Independent candidate for the southern seat of Franklin, David O'Byrne, who is also the president of the Southern Football League, believed the stadium would be a vote changer, but mostly for people who supported the proposal.

"The people who are against the stadium are predominantly staying where they are, in my view," he said.

" It probably changes votes more for people who are strongly in support of the proposal and the AFL club, that's my read on the doors. "

He also said he believed it would mobilise the southern football community, given the timing of the election.

"The election is in the middle of football season, and the biggest issue for a lot of sporting communities is the Devils and the stadium and what that brings. It's clear that without the stadium, you can't deliver a team and football clubs know that," he said.

What are Tasmanians being promised at their state election? Photo shows Thumbnail image for Tasmania state election 2025 promise tracker article. We keep track of each party's election promises so voters can make an informed decision.

A number of Franklin voters said the stadium issue would force their vote to change.

"I have voted Labor for almost 50 years but will not be voting for the Labor party this election," Chris in Howrah told Your Say.

While Bernard, also of Howrah, said he could swing towards the pro-stadium Liberals.

"It's vitally important that the stadium goes ahead to the extent that I'm considering voting Liberal for the first time in my life," he said.

A swing away from the Labor Party, based on their pro-stadium stance, was a theme amongst Your Say respondents.

"I'm a 'rusted on' Labor voter who cannot bring myself to vote for any party who supports a stadium that will potentially bankrupt the state," Chris of New Town said.

Labor candidate Luke Martin has been doorknocking in Hobart's north and says the stadium isn't the main issue. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Labor candidate for Clark Luke Martin, who has been doorknocking Hobart's northern suburbs, said the stadium was not a prominent issue among his potential constituents.

"While a few people have raised the stadium, with a range of views, it's clear that most are focused on issues that affect their day-to-day lives, like health, housing, the cost of living and growing concerns about crime in Glenorchy."

Early voting opens for Tasmanian election Photo shows a row of voting ballot boxes All your questions about voting early in the Tasmanian state election answered.

Older Tasmanians have so far been far more likely to send their responses to the ABC, with about three-quarters of Your Say respondents between the ages of 60 and 69 years old.

The stadium was a strong theme amongst this cohort, with 66 per cent of them specifically referencing the stadium as a key election issue.

Of the respondents who gave their age as being between 15 and 29, the stadium rated a smaller mention.

Lachlan of Moonah wanted less focus on the stadium and more focus on "the Liberal government's lack of financial responsibility".

James of New Norfolk said the state election wasn't a "stadium referendum" and health and housing should be the main focus for voters.

Art student Dan did not want to see the stadium built, while other young people were more concerned about the closure of Ashley detention centre, public transport and a greater focus on LGBTQIA+ issues.

Editor's note 2/7/25: An earlier version of this story referred to the ABC's Your Say responses as a 'poll' and a 'survey'. This is incorrect and wording has been changed to make it clear Your Say is a platform to contact the ABC.

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