Media Release: Upper House to Vote on Call for Government to Renegotiate with AFL

Upper House to Vote on Call for Government to Renegotiate with AFL

6 April 2025

The Legislative Council will this week vote on whether the Rockliff Government should seek to reopen negotiations with the AFL over the Macquarie Point stadium project location and construction timeframe in light of concerns raised by both the independent Gruen Report and the Tasmanian Planning Commission Draft Integrated Assessment Report.

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb, who has tabled the motion to be voted upon, said Tuesday’s debate will provide the government an opportunity to stand up for Tasmanians’ best interests.

“Why should 18 non-Tasmanian football bosses dictate the future of Tasmania’s team, iconic Hobart waterfront and financial security,” Ms Webb said.

“Two State-funded independent reports have raised serious concerns over the impacts upon the state’s finances with stadium construction associated debt estimated to be over $1 billion.

“The construction timeframe has been found to be basically impossible which also presents potential financial penalties to be borne by Tasmanians under the current AFL agreement.”

Ms Webb said a responsible Government and Labor Opposition worthy of the name would both stand up for Tasmania’s best interests and immediately seek to renegotiate with the AFL the location and construction timeframe of any new stadium.

“Tasmanians deserve to be proud of their AFL team, rather than have it forever associated with an expensive white elephant scarring our iconic city waterfront, and responsible for dividing the community and draining our finances.

“The Upper House vote on my motion on Tuesday will provide both the Liberal and Labor parties the opportunity to demonstrate they are not as craven as they appear, but instead do still have the backbone to stare down the 18 interstate football bosses and stand up for Tasmanians’ best interests.”

Debate on Ms Webb’s motion will occur during the Legislative Council Private Members Business on Tuesday, April 8.

View the text of Ms Webb’s motion to be debated on Tuesday 8 April 2025 below or here: