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The Australian Government will commit an additional $65 million towards the planned UTAS Stadium redevelopment in Launceston.

This matches the commitment already made by the Tasmanian Government, and will accelerate the transformation into a hub of economic activity for Tasmania’s north.

The funding injection means stages 1 and 2 are now able to be completed and the project can be enhanced to meet the regions needs for the longer term.

The co-investment will guarantee Tasmanians have access to world-class entertainment no matter where they live. UTAS Stadium is already set to benefit from a new entertainment precinct, dining options and player facilities.

Stage 1 works are expected to be completed in early 2025 and a new Stage 2 work program will now be planned, with input from stakeholders.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“My Government wants to realise a whole of state vision, one that will strengthen Tasmania’s economy, create jobs and provide better facilities for people to enjoy.

“The Government is already investing in the redevelopment of the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Campus will help revitalise the Launceston region, with a modern campus which is also a hub for all members of the community.”

Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff said:

”The Tasmanian Government’s $65 million had been committed to the UTAS redevelopment to deliver a new, enhanced Eastern stand, improved playing facilities and a new entertainment precinct.

“This will ensure UTAS Stadium is future-proofed and able to deliver economic benefits for the region across the long term,”

the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said:

“The funding for the UTAS Stadium upgrades is part of our commitment to support growing cities.

“The Australian Government’s investment will support the economic growth of Launceston, while also enhancing the sporting legacy of this great city.”

A once in a generation vision for Hobart’s last remaining waterfront and urban development site will be realised, under a partnership between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.

A Federal Government investment of $240 million under the 2023-24 Budget, will help unlock the potential of the Macquarie Point precinct, cementing the site as the next step in building a more vibrant Hobart.

The Tasmanian Government will develop a refreshed precinct plan that stretches from Macquarie Point through to crown land at Regatta Point, including a focus on transport connections, while prioritising Hobart port upgrades and housing for Tasmanians.

Housing is recognised as a central part of the broader precinct. In consultation with stakeholders, crown land at Regatta Point will be developed through a public-private partnership, delivering a mix of waterfront housing, including affordable homes and housing for critical health workers and veterans.

A refreshed plan for the site and engagement with the community, will guide the project so it delivers on the priorities of the Hobart locals. This includes working with First Nations groups, Hobart City Council and RSL Tasmania to ensure all existing and proposed uses respect the history of the site and region.

The Australian Government will also invest $65 million towards the planned UTAS Stadium redevelopment in Launceston, supporting economic activity and the proud sporting legacy of Tasmania’s north.

Australian Government funding in the site supports existing investments in Macquarie Point by the Tasmanian Government of $375 million and UTAS Stadium of $65 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This exciting precinct plan will provide real affordable housing for Tasmanians, real jobs and new transport solutions.”

“This sets up Macquarie Point as the future jewel in the crown for Hobart. A place where people can live, work and come together.”

Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff said:

“The Urban Renewal project has a multi-purpose stadium at its core, which will inspire economic activity around it and strengthen our economy for decades to come.”

“It will be a unique destination to attract visitors to our state, and will finally mean Tassie can host events that have previously bypassed the State. It creates certainty for investment and thousands of new jobs which will give young people a reason to stay in Tasmania.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government is committed to working in partnership with the Tasmanian Government and local councils to revitalise this site in a way that benefits everybody who uses it and wants to be part of it.”

“This site has been dormant for too long and I am pleased that this Federal Government funding will unlock its potential. Negotiations with the Tasmanian Government have ensured that the infrastructure the state needs will be prioritised on the site.”

“These investments are part of our Government’s commitment to creating a sustainable investment framework for our growing cities.”

Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins said:

“After a decade of inaction at Macquarie Point, this plan represents a huge opportunity for Tasmania. I’m particularly pleased that housing is a central part of the precinct plan.”

This will build on the work the Albanese Government is already doing to ensure more Tasmanians have a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Greens Leader Adam Bandt and housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather have called for a national rent freeze to be implemented by the National Cabinet when they meet tomorrow.

With further reports today on the worsening housing and rental crisis and Mr Bandt’s rent and housing proposal announced at the National Press Club yesterday the Greens will continue their push for leadership from the Albanese government.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“The PM must stop delaying and seize the opportunity to put a national rent freeze on tomorrow’s National Cabinet agenda and get on with implementing caps on rents.

“Rents are skyrocketing across the country, but the Prime Minister thinks a national rent freeze is too hard.

“Yesterday the Greens released a fully-costed plan to incentivise the states to freeze rent increases for two years to give wages a chance to catch up.

“A rent freeze is not just legally possible, it’s also politically possible. With the Greens’ support the government could pass a serious plan for renters through the parliament by July.

“One third of the country is renting. If the government doesn’t show up to National Cabinet tomorrow with a real plan for renters, they’re throwing renters across the country to the wolves of the private market.”

Greens Housing spokesperson and member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather MP said:

“One of the central demands in today’s Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot is national tenancy standards including national action on rent increases.

“Every day Labor refuses to coordinate a national freeze on rent increases via National Cabinet is another day a family will face eviction because they can’t afford the rent.

“With multiple investment properties maybe it’s hard for the Prime Minister to understand just how urgent this rental crisis is, but I encourage him to go to talk to renters and ask them what they think of freezing rent increases.

“The Prime Minister might call rent controls “pixie dust”, but for renters, a freeze on rent increases means staying in their home and not being evicted into homelessness.

“According to Anglicare, less than 1% of private rentals are affordable for someone on the minimum wage. That’s who this government is leaving behind.

“With rents predicted to increase even faster this year, either National Cabinet freezes rents, or hundreds of thousands of families will be pushed onto the streets and into their cars.”

The Greens are urging Labor to use the upcoming Budget to remove the Parenting Payment Single cut off and fully reinstate the eligibility age to 16, as recommended by the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Budget savings should never have been made by pushing single parents into poverty. A decade on from this terrible decision it’s time to overturn it, and restore support to single parents until their kids turn 16.

“Single parenting doesn’t stop when a child turns 8, or 13, and neither should the Single Parenting Payment.

“The upcoming budget must fully reverse the Gillard government’s shameful decision to cut off Parenting Payment Single when kids turn 8, not tinker around the edges with a lift to 13 or 14.

“Poverty and homelessness are disproportionately impacting women and children. This is a crisis, and it demands an urgent government response.

“People voted for change at the last election, and an end to the sexist policies of the Morrison government. Those people deserve policies that will fix gendered economic inequality.

“If Labor are serious about taking a gendered lens to this budget, they could start by scrapping the Stage 3 tax cuts, which mostly benefit rich men, so we could fund things that will actually help the people who need it – like single mums.”

Today, Prime Minister Albanese met with His Excellency Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru, in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Kun discussed Australia and Nauru’s shared priorities for regional security, climate resilience and regional connectivity.

Australia is supporting infrastructure projects in Nauru through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. These include Nauru’s Airport Refurbishment Project and the East Micronesia Cable Project.

Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Nauru and to the future of the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.

The Albanese Government is committed to deepening ties with our Pacific family though partnerships built on trust, cooperation and shared aspirations for our region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I was delighted to meet with President Kun for our first bilateral meeting.”

“Australia and Nauru have a strong and longstanding partnership, and we continue to stand together as members of the Pacific family.”

“I look forward to continuing to work together and strengthen the bond between our two nations.”