Dean Winter has lost his way with increasing vitriolic, conspiracy-fuelled attacks on the Government over an agreement to finally deliver Tasmania an AFL team.
With David O’Byrne now the most popular Labor member in Tasmania, is this some sort of misguided dress rehearsal for Winter to prove his leadership credentials? It certainly can’t be taken seriously.
There is no secret AFL deal. The deal has been released, with the Chairman of the Adelaide Crows John Olsen referring to it as ‘the deal of the century’ for Tasmania and acknowledging “The Government's put out the deal, the contract on the table, and that then makes it very easy for people to cherry pick a different component of the deal without taking the whole deal into account. I think it takes a lot of courage for a government to actually do that.”
The Premier has tabled in parliament all relevant information he has been provided, that is able to be released.
The fact that many of the reports were available prior to this week further points to the Government being very open with Tasmanians about the deal and the multi-purpose stadium at Macquarie Point.
Like his Labor colleagues Mr Winter would rather play politics than support a transformational project which will deliver $2.2 billion in economic activity over the first 25 years, our own AFL team, and 4,200 jobs during construction alone, including from his own electorate.
Member for Franklin, Dean Young noted that in Parliament this week Mr Winter failed to deny he has abandoned our AFL dream and thrown his lot in with the Greens.
“The questions for Mr Winter today are simple,” Mr Young said.
“Does he support an AFL team for Tasmania? Because if he does, he has to support the stadium project.
“Or, does he support the Greens Plan? A plan which will kill the stadium, kill the AFL team, and stop the jobs and investment it will generate.
“It’s a shame Mr. Winter is listening to the Greens more than the Franklin constituents he is supposed to represent.
“My constituents have voted with their feet all week, coming into the office from everywhere to get supporter stickers for our team and stadium. I’ve run out three times!
Tasmanians increasingly understand a multi-purpose stadium at Macquarie Point will not just deliver us the AFL team we have waited decades for, it will be used year round for major events, big names concerts, conventions and festivals.
It will boost local businesses through additional trade and be something all Tasmanians can be proud of.
“Instead of trying to block his return to the Labor caucus, Mr Winter would be better off taking advice from Mr O’Byrne, who is actually involved in the local football scene, and supports both our team and stadium.” Mr Young finished.
At the very least Mr Winter should cease lazy personal attacks and start working for the betterment of our electorate, and the State.