Media Release: Tasmanian Representatives Secure Meeting with AFL Over Stadium Concerns
Tasmanian Representatives Secure Meeting with AFL Over Stadium Concerns
29 October 2025
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the AFL’s agreement to meet with a delegation of Tasmanian elected representatives to discuss concerns over the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, in light of the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission’s recommendation that the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point not proceed.
“The AFL’s eleventh-hour change of heart over the requested meeting with a Tasmanian MPs’ delegation is a welcome and responsible development,” Ms Webb said.
“The Melbourne meeting with the AFL Chief Operation Officer Tom Harley is a significant acknowledgement that as elected representatives of their communities, the delegation has a right and a responsibility to ensure the concerns expressed by their communities over the proposed Macquarie Point stadium have been clearly placed before the AFL.
“We know the AFL has had multiple opportunities to speak with proponents and supporters of the Mac Point stadium, and it is only fair for alternative views and perspectives to also be heard.
“Crucially this meeting should hear how the AFL intends to treat the Devils team and supporters in the event the state parliament rejects the stadium order.”
Ms Webb said it was within the AFL’s power to deescalate the community division immediately, by decoupling the fate of our Tasmanian team from the fate of a new, expensive stadium in the wrong location.
“The AFL has a clear choice before it. Will it recognize the need to renegotiate in good faith the deal with the Tasmanian government, or is it prepared to disrupt the Devils team by ripping up the contracts of current staff and ending draft discussions?
“Clearly, the change of mind indicates the AFL’s awareness their refusal to meet could potentially inflict serious damage upon its brand. I wish the Tasmanian delegation all the best for the meeting and hope they receive a respectful hearing from the AFL when presenting the concerns of their communities.”
Ms Webb is a signatory to both the June and October letters sent by Tasmanian representatives seeking to meet with the AFL however prior diary commitments have prevented her from travelling to Melbourne for this meeting
