Borrowings by Tasmanian government businesses will be reduced by $500 million over the coming three years to accommodate the debt needed for the Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Treasurer Eric Abetz confirmed the reduction in a letter to independent Dean Harriss, along with an agreement to find “additional revenues” ahead of the May budget.
Mr Harriss interpreted this as meaning that “state taxes and charges will increase”, and used the commitment as a basis for his support for the stadium.
Eric Abetz says the stadium would provide income for the budget, offsetting the operational expense — but the extent of the income has not been modelled. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)
In the letter, the government commits to…