Carlo defends stadium change of heart

Two senior figures in the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party (SFF) Tasmanian branch have resigned over Lyons MP Carlo Di Falco’s support of Macquarie Point Stadium.

Adrian Pickin has left his role as party chair after nine years, while Michal Frydrych has stepped down as vice chair.

Having run on a platform opposing the project the party executives have accused Mr Di Falco of not following party policy and creating division within the team.

Mr Di Falco disappointed fellow party members and voters when he recently backed the project when it faced Tasmania's lower house.

The latest departures also follow that of former secretary and candidate Phillip Bigg, who ran as an independent in the July state election.

According to Mr de Falco, the party “is no worse for it”, saying other committee members have stepped up.

“We’re as strong as we’ve always been and I have the full support of the party and the executive,” he said.

“We had a discussion, and we encourage robust debate within the party, and they decided they didn’t like the outcome.

“When I changed my position I knew it would upset a few people, however I had to weigh up what was best and what was the most responsible decision for the people who voted for me.” 

Mr de Falco said that he had nothing but a positive reaction from people he talked to at Bothwell Bushfest last weekend.

“At the end of the day, I’ve asked the budget estimates committee what, other than a stadium, are the large infrastructure projects coming up over the next four years and was told that will be roads and bridges.

“No-one is going to come to look at roads and bridges – we need to give people a reason that will support business through the winter period in particular.

“As far as the stadium goes I hear far more support for it than people pushing back, I feel really comfortable about my decision.”