Tasmanian government seeks advice on bypassing Planning Commission for stadium project after scathing draft report

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed he has sought advice on alternative ways to progress the controversial Macquarie Point stadium, leaving the door open to walk away from the Project of State Significance (POSS) process.

Analysis: Labor can't be a spectator to Macquarie Point stadium issues Photo shows Jeremy Rockliff with a football. With the row over whether Tasmania can afford a new stadium a long way from ending, Labor may think it can be a spectator to the melee. But, if Labor votes for the project and it goes badly, it'll be tied to the failure as well.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission is currently assessing the proposed stadium and released a draft report on Monday which was scathing of the government's claims about the project.

Under the current POSS process, the commission will prepare a final report to be released in September and then MPs will get to vote on whether to approve the project or reject it.

In question time today, independent MP Kristie Johnston asked the premier if the government had sought or received advice about ways to move ahead with the stadium outside of the POSS process.

Mr Rockliff told parliament he spoke to his department yesterday seeking that advice.

He said he would consider all options given the significance of the project for the state, flagging the POSS assessment of the stadium may be abandoned.

"Why wouldn't I? Because we've committed to the process that we're going through now," he said.

" At the end of the day, POSS process or enabling legislation, this parliament will have its say. "

It is unclear what form any special legislation to approve the stadium might take, if the POSS process was abandoned.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff suggested an approval or permit could be "rushed through this house in a matter of days" and urged the premier to reveal what he was planning.

Mr Rockliff was unable to answer, telling parliament the advice had not yet come back.

"What I'm about is ensuring that we get this job done and we get a Tasmanian team in the AFL and AFLW and that's why I've been so committed to this project," he said.

"We will reach in and get this job [done]."

Jeremy Rockliff has doubled down on his support for the stadium. (Supplied: MPDC)

'I'm canvassing other options,' premier says

Responding to jeers in parliament, Mr Rockliff doubled down on his support for the stadium.

"It's a building on a wasteland with sewerage works next to it," he said.

A list of stadium problems — from crowd squeeze to bus freeze Photo shows A map showing pinch points on three out of the four sides of a stadium and nearby areas. Macquarie Point is hemmed in by a highway, a working port, heritage buildings and a knoll, with just enough space for a stadium. The Planning Commission has laid bare the problems.

"I mean seriously, seriously, it's a huge opportunity for Tasmania.

"Why wouldn't I be looking at all options around this project?"

However, he confirmed he was still "vigorously" pursuing the POSS process.

"Now, I'm also canvassing other options, which is why I've sought advice," he said.

"It's not Armageddon, parliament will have their say on this."

Regardless of which process the premier chooses, the AFL stadium will come before parliament and it will need Labor's support to get through the lower house.

Labor supports the project going "through the current process", but has raised concerns about it being taken out of POSS.

"Ripping the stadium out of his POSS process is a huge risk to our AFL teams," Labor leader Dean Winter said on Tuesday.

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