Latest news with #Spirits
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
AFL stadium plan stirs voters as Tasmanians head to the polls
'Our politicians didn't negotiate us a good deal,' White said. 'We need reasonable people who listen to expert advice.' She was frustrated that the stadium had dominated Tasmanian politics, overshadowing critical issues such as the lack of housing infrastructure, health reform, and education. In 2023, Tasmania was granted a licence for its own AFL team, the Devils, contingent on the construction of a new 23,000-seat roofed stadium. But the no stadium, no team ultimatum has since been embroiled in political turmoil, with recent polling showing roughly 60 per cent of Tasmanians oppose the contentious development. Tasmanians are voting in a state election for the second time in just 16 months, with a final poll predicting to a near-certain hung parliament in which a powerful crossbench will likely decide the fate of both the next government and the state's controversial AFL stadium. The election-eve poll from YouGov showed neither major party is close to a majority, with the Liberal Party's primary vote falling to 31 per cent and Labor's edging up to 30 per cent. Support for the Greens was stable at 16 per cent, while backing for independents surged to 20 per cent. In his final pitch on Friday, Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Opposition Leader Dean Winter had put the state's progress at risk when he 'forced this unnecessary election'. 'A majority Liberal government is the only way to keep Tasmania moving forward with certainty, stability, and efficiency,' Rockliff said, warning a Labor government would rely on the Greens. But Winter said Tasmanians had 'nothing to show' for 11 years of Liberal government. 'They've mismanaged major projects like the Spirits [ferry roll-out], our finances are the worst in the nation, health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago,' he said. While Labor has pledged not to do a formal deal with the Greens, Winter would likely need the minor party's support to form government, a scenario YouGov data suggests voters would prefer. According to the poll, 55 per cent of Tasmanians would choose Winter as premier in a hung parliament. The snap early poll, the island's fourth in seven years, was triggered when Rockcliff last month lost a no-confidence motion, with the premier choosing to call an election instead of resigning. A defining issue of the campaign has been the proposed $945 million new stadium, with the election meaning a key vote to approve it has been delayed. Both Labor and The Liberals back the stadium, but with independents and anti-stadium Greens likely to play a key role in the event of a hung parliament, there is the possibility they will demand the stadium plans be dropped or altered. Just hours after polls opened, more than a thousand pro-stadium footy fans made their views heard, marching to North Hobart Oval. Aaron Hilder attended with his family and said a stadium would be a game changer for everyone in the state and the loud opposition was frustrating. 'It's so close, but we need to get it over the line,' he said. High-profile independent Kristie Johnston said the stadium project was a key 'filter question' for voters. 'We can't afford it, we don't need it, and it doesn't fit on the site,' she told this masthead. 'As soon as I say no [to the stadium] they are engaged and wanting to know more about what else I stand for in terms of health, housing and education. 'So it's not necessarily a referendum on the stadium, but it's symbolic of the underlying issues about the future of the state.' Johnston accused the AFL of treating Tasmania with 'great disdain' and said the next parliament must 'stand firm … and demand a team, but not be dictated by the AFL in terms of what the conditions for that are'. For many Tasmanians, the debate over the proposed stadium became a reflection of their broader values. As she cast her vote at a polling station on Saturday, Hobart resident Heidi Mirtl said the highly visible debate had taken on a profound significance. 'It is the thing that becomes the centrepiece around what underpins the values people hold when they vote,' she said. Mirtl, who believes the state cannot afford the project, cited the Greens' opposition to the stadium as a key reason for her vote, arguing the priority must be the 'desperate need for housing and addressing poverty.' Influential pro-stadium independent David O'Byrne, a former Labor leader, said the prospect of a local AFL team had made politics 'white-hot' and had motivated a new swath of voters. 'The issue crosses ideological lines,' O'Byrne said. 'There is a group that is motivated to vote strategically in support of something they feel strongly about, which is essentially delivering a Tasmanian football club that we have wanted for a generation.' Tasmania, along with the ACT, uses the Hare-Clark electoral system in the lower house. A form of proportional representation, it was recently expanded so that seven MPs, instead of five, are elected from each of the state's five electorates. This lowers the quota of votes needed to win a seat, boosting the prospects of minor parties and independents. O'Byrne, who said Labor was being blamed by many voters for causing an unnecessary election, pledged to work constructively with whoever can form government. 'I won't dangle that as a threat,' he said. 'Part of the problem is you've had a couple of independents who provided that supply and confidence last time but, all of a sudden, made everything a test of the relationship and therefore [the government] collapsed.' O'Byrne resigned from Labor after failing to win preselection for the 2024 election following an internal investigation into a sexual harassment allegation from 10 years prior. The investigation found O'Byrne's behaviour was 'inappropriate and wrong' but did not constitute sexual harassment. He was re-elected in 2024 with the highest primary vote of any independent candidate. Polling will close at 6pm, but a clear result is not expected on Saturday night unless either party defies the polls and is on track for a majority. Negotiations with independents and minor parties are likely crucial for either party to form government.
The Age
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
AFL stadium plan stirs voters as Tasmanians head to the polls
'Our politicians didn't negotiate us a good deal,' White said. 'We need reasonable people who listen to expert advice.' She was frustrated that the stadium had dominated Tasmanian politics, overshadowing critical issues such as the lack of housing infrastructure, health reform, and education. In 2023, Tasmania was granted a licence for its own AFL team, the Devils, contingent on the construction of a new 23,000-seat roofed stadium. But the no stadium, no team ultimatum has since been embroiled in political turmoil, with recent polling showing roughly 60 per cent of Tasmanians oppose the contentious development. Tasmanians are voting in a state election for the second time in just 16 months, with a final poll predicting to a near-certain hung parliament in which a powerful crossbench will likely decide the fate of both the next government and the state's controversial AFL stadium. The election-eve poll from YouGov showed neither major party is close to a majority, with the Liberal Party's primary vote falling to 31 per cent and Labor's edging up to 30 per cent. Support for the Greens was stable at 16 per cent, while backing for independents surged to 20 per cent. In his final pitch on Friday, Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Opposition Leader Dean Winter had put the state's progress at risk when he 'forced this unnecessary election'. 'A majority Liberal government is the only way to keep Tasmania moving forward with certainty, stability, and efficiency,' Rockliff said, warning a Labor government would rely on the Greens. But Winter said Tasmanians had 'nothing to show' for 11 years of Liberal government. 'They've mismanaged major projects like the Spirits [ferry roll-out], our finances are the worst in the nation, health waitlists are double the size they were a decade ago,' he said. While Labor has pledged not to do a formal deal with the Greens, Winter would likely need the minor party's support to form government, a scenario YouGov data suggests voters would prefer. According to the poll, 55 per cent of Tasmanians would choose Winter as premier in a hung parliament. The snap early poll, the island's fourth in seven years, was triggered when Rockcliff last month lost a no-confidence motion, with the premier choosing to call an election instead of resigning. A defining issue of the campaign has been the proposed $945 million new stadium, with the election meaning a key vote to approve it has been delayed. Both Labor and The Liberals back the stadium, but with independents and anti-stadium Greens likely to play a key role in the event of a hung parliament, there is the possibility they will demand the stadium plans be dropped or altered. Just hours after polls opened, more than a thousand pro-stadium footy fans made their views heard, marching to North Hobart Oval. Aaron Hilder attended with his family and said a stadium would be a game changer for everyone in the state and the loud opposition was frustrating. 'It's so close, but we need to get it over the line,' he said. High-profile independent Kristie Johnston said the stadium project was a key 'filter question' for voters. 'We can't afford it, we don't need it, and it doesn't fit on the site,' she told this masthead. 'As soon as I say no [to the stadium] they are engaged and wanting to know more about what else I stand for in terms of health, housing and education. 'So it's not necessarily a referendum on the stadium, but it's symbolic of the underlying issues about the future of the state.' Johnston accused the AFL of treating Tasmania with 'great disdain' and said the next parliament must 'stand firm … and demand a team, but not be dictated by the AFL in terms of what the conditions for that are'. For many Tasmanians, the debate over the proposed stadium became a reflection of their broader values. As she cast her vote at a polling station on Saturday, Hobart resident Heidi Mirtl said the highly visible debate had taken on a profound significance. 'It is the thing that becomes the centrepiece around what underpins the values people hold when they vote,' she said. Mirtl, who believes the state cannot afford the project, cited the Greens' opposition to the stadium as a key reason for her vote, arguing the priority must be the 'desperate need for housing and addressing poverty.' Influential pro-stadium independent David O'Byrne, a former Labor leader, said the prospect of a local AFL team had made politics 'white-hot' and had motivated a new swath of voters. 'The issue crosses ideological lines,' O'Byrne said. 'There is a group that is motivated to vote strategically in support of something they feel strongly about, which is essentially delivering a Tasmanian football club that we have wanted for a generation.' Tasmania, along with the ACT, uses the Hare-Clark electoral system in the lower house. A form of proportional representation, it was recently expanded so that seven MPs, instead of five, are elected from each of the state's five electorates. This lowers the quota of votes needed to win a seat, boosting the prospects of minor parties and independents. O'Byrne, who said Labor was being blamed by many voters for causing an unnecessary election, pledged to work constructively with whoever can form government. 'I won't dangle that as a threat,' he said. 'Part of the problem is you've had a couple of independents who provided that supply and confidence last time but, all of a sudden, made everything a test of the relationship and therefore [the government] collapsed.' O'Byrne resigned from Labor after failing to win preselection for the 2024 election following an internal investigation into a sexual harassment allegation from 10 years prior. The investigation found O'Byrne's behaviour was 'inappropriate and wrong' but did not constitute sexual harassment. He was re-elected in 2024 with the highest primary vote of any independent candidate. Polling will close at 6pm, but a clear result is not expected on Saturday night unless either party defies the polls and is on track for a majority. Negotiations with independents and minor parties are likely crucial for either party to form government.
CNA
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Sip, savour and celebrate SG60 in style
CNA938 Rewind The Great Palate 2025: Whisky & Spirits Edition is happening next weekend on 5 & 6 July 2025. Cheryl Goh finds out more about this year's special SG60 showcase, and how the whisky scene has evolved over time here with Michelle Lu, GM of Malt & Wine Asia and also overall in-charge of Great Palate project.
The Advertiser
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Liberals turn to ex-federal politicians for snap poll
Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state. Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state.
Perth Now
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Liberals turn to ex-federal politicians for snap poll
Tasmania's embattled Liberals are rolling out several former federal politicians for a snap election, including one who announced his resignation 12 months ago. The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. Mr Pearce said he wanted to "pick up his rifle and stand in the trenches" with Mr Rockliff, who he believed had been white-anted by the no-confidence motion. Mr Pearce has insisted he has moved on from "professional differences" with former federal Liberal colleague Bridget Archer, who often crossed the floor. Ms Archer is running for the Liberals at the state poll in the neighbouring seat of Bass. The two major parties face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority. The Liberals hold 14 seats, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network one. Mr Rockliff, one of the three incumbent Liberals in Braddon, brushed off concerns the electorate's federal swing towards Labor would be replicated at state level. "We have the best-possible team we have ever had in Braddon," Mr Rockliff said. On the second day of official campaigning, Labor announced it would ensure two new Bass Strait ferries currently in Europe would be brought to Tasmania by Christmas. The Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth hasn't been built. One of the vessels is sitting in Scotland, while the other is undergoing sea trials in Finland. "The Rockliff minority government has made a mess of the Spirits project - but Labor is ready to clean it up," Labor leader Dean Winter said. Mr Winter said he wanted more of the ships' final fit-out to occur in Tasmania and that they would be safer in the state.
