State Government Logo

23 May 2019

Will Hodgman MP

Premier

2019-20 Budget: Investing to secure a team of our own

The 2019-20 State Budget will invest in maintaining the momentum as we push towards getting a team of our own in the AFL.

$150,000 is allocated to support a new AFL Project Team to develop the business case and advise the Government on the support required to establish a team of our own.

The Government has commenced the selection process for a Project Team, which will involve people with the skills and experience needed to prepare a fresh, and indisputable case to present to the AFL.

We continue to respect our valued deals with Hawthorn and North Melbourne, but with them expiring in 2021 now is the time to be putting forward a strong case and a transition plan for Tasmania to enter the AFL.

The State Budget also provides administrative support for the Football Tasmania Board, which was established earlier this year by the Tasmanian Government with representatives from across the Tasmanian football community to unify the sport, and strengthen local, grass-roots football.

The AFL is not truly a national competition without a Tasmanian team in it, and its now a matter of when, not if.

This Budget moves us closer to that time.