War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (2024)

A planned vigil on the day before Remembrance Day at Hobart's Cenotaph has split local RSL groups in Tasmania, with one sub-branch saying the gathering is part of a "relentless" attack on the proposed stadium which is to be built nearby.

Lenah Valley RSL sub-branch president Andy McShane has slammed the event, accusing the RSL state executive of politicising the monument as part of its strong opposition to the construction of the stadium.

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (1)

Mr McShane said he and his committee held deep concerns the vigil, which is scheduled for November 10, would spill over into Remembrance Day commemorations the next day and devolve into a "protest".

"Let's call it what it is. It's a protest," Mr McShane said.

"It's no accident in my mind that this particular protest is occurring the day before Remembrance Day, and it is being done in that way to bring the most amount of publicity to their ultimate aim, which I understand is an opposing of the stadium being built at Macquarie Point.

"We believe that the chosen date in proximity to Remembrance Day is not in keeping with the values of that day."

In a letter to Lenah Valley RSL members, Mr McShane said it was a with a "very heavy heart that we cannot stand beside the state branch in their relentless single-minded attack on the Macquarie Point stadium".

Vigil won't politicise Cenotaph, RSL says

The vigil at the Cenotaph was organised in conjunction with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, which also opposes the location of the stadium due to concerns about the potential impact that noise and vibration from stadium events will have on the Federation Concert Hall.

It invites all who "value the importance" of the Cenotaph to attend and comes amidst an ongoing battle between the RSL's state executive and state government over the location of the proposed stadium.

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (2)

At a press conference to announce the planned vigil, RSL Tasmania CEO John Hardy strongly refuted any assertion he or his organisation was politicising the monument.

Mr Hardy said the vigil was about recognising the importance of the Cenotaph.

"We won't talk of a stadium. 'Stadium' will not come out of our mouths," Mr Hardy said.

"There will be no demonstration of yes and no, and we don't want that. When people come onto this ground, they respect the Cenotaph."

Despite that, anti-stadium group Our Place has planned a march to the vigil, which will cross the Bridge of Remembrance.

The group is encouraging participants to wear 'No New Stadium' badges as part of the walk but has asked people to "lower any banners" as they approach the monument.

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (3)

RSL stands against stadium

RSL Tasmania has long opposed the construction of the Macquarie Point stadium over concerns it would impede key sightlines from the nearby Cenotaph toward the mouth of the River Derwent and toward St George's Church in Battery Point.

It recently partnered with the Greens to develop draft legislation that would "protect" the Cenotaph from nearby developments, such as the stadium.

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (4)

Mr Hardy said the RSL lobbied political parties of all colours on a wide range of issues.

"We are an apolitical organisation, and we are also a lobby group on behalf of our members," he said.

"My job is to get the best for veterans and their families in Tasmania."

As well as requesting the Greens formulate legislation to protect the monument, the RSL in August also made a list of requests of the Tasmanian government should the stadium eventually be built.

They included naming sections of the stadium after Victoria Cross winners, an RSL museum, and opportunities for veterans during both the construction and operational phase of the build.

There was also a request that "ANZAC day profits" go toward veteran services.

'It does have a political aspect'

Mr McShane's letter to members stopped short of suggesting a boycott of the vigil, but suggested "concerned families and veterans" could attend other Remembrance Day commemorations "as a reasonable alternative to being subjected to John Hardy's political protest".

He told the ABC those who wish to attend the vigil should do so with their "eyes wide open".

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (5)

"Understand that this is a protest, and it does have a political aspect to it," he said.

"It's not up to the organisers of the protest to be utilising Remembrance Day, and the time around Remembrance Day in a political manner to try and sway government for some sightlines," he said.

Mr Hardy has long insisted the RSL executive does not speak for the broader veteran community, only the members of the RSL.

The RSL executive has also long supported the alternative 'Stadium 2.0' proposal on the other side of the Cenotaph, spearheaded by former Labor premier Paul Lennon and private developer Dean Coleman.

That development does not impede sightlines and initial plans for that stadium include an RSL museum.

War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (6)

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War of words breaks out over claims Hobart Cenotaph vigil is anti-stadium 'protest' in disguise (2024)

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