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Premier concedes government “off course”

July 20, 2023 7:50 am in by

Jeremy Rockliff will reveal his plan to get his government “back on track” in Hobart on Thursday.

The Premier will use a speech to the business community in Hobart to admit the government has faced some unexpected challenges in the last six months, including the defections of Bass MP Lara Alexander and Member for Lyons John Tucker to the crossbench, and has been “knocked off course”.

It follows reports bureaucrats are concerned the relentless focus on the stadium and AFL deal has paralysed the machinery of government.

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The Premier isn’t backing down from his signature infrastructure project, according to a speech excerpt obtained by ARN.

“I know a multi-purpose stadium is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is an important part of our long-term plan for Tasmania’s future,” the Premier will say.
 
“It will be an economic gamechanger for our whole State, and truly supercharge Hobart.
 
“And of course, it is the key to unlocking our very own AFL Team in 2028. No stadium, no team.”

Mr Rockliff says two actions being taken to steady the ship include scrapping forced council amalgamations and removing some planning decisions from local governments; a third tactic hasn’t been revealed ahead of the speech.

He says his government won’t be defined by one issue and two individuals.

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