The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to securing an AFL and AFLW team of our own and welcomes the AFL Taskforce business case report, showing a Tasmanian team from 2025 onwards is viable.
The report outlines clearly that the inclusion of a Tasmanian team not only stacks up financially, but can strengthen the AFL by making it a truly national competition.
We were very clear when briefing the Taskforce that a Tasmanian Team must benefit the whole state, and we are pleased to see the report present a model that unites Tasmania, with games to be shared in the North and South of the state.
Tasmania has experienced first-hand the substantial benefits of hosting AFL games at our Blundstone and UTAS stadiums, and the current arrangements with Hawthorn and North Melbourne have proven successful for all parties. As we progress our objective of our own team we will work closely with our partners to ensure there is a smooth transition phase which meets each other’s needs.
Independent modelling conducted for the Taskforce of the economic benefits based on 11 home games, indicates our own team would deliver a direct contribution of $110 million p.a. and more than 360 additional jobs across Tasmania.
We know Tasmania is an AFL state, having delivered some of this country’s finest footballers over the years and our own team overwhelmingly endorsed through the “United We Stand” campaign.
Tasmanians will always come first, and we will now consult with the football and broader community including the AFL on the contents of the report before finalising our position on the recommendations and outlining the way forward.
I would like to thank the AFL Taskforce for their commitment to building a business case for a Tasmanian Team. This report has taken much time and effort from a group of very dedicated people and I thank Brett Godfrey for his Chairmanship and each of the TaskForce members, Paul Eriksson, James Henderson, Julie Kay, Grant O’Brien, Nick Riewoldt and Errol Stewart for their efforts along with Adam Sproule who has supported them via State Growth.
The Taskforce will now continue to be engaged for a period of time to assist us with the next stage of our engagement with the AFL commission and club Presidents.
A copy of the Report can be found here: http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/documents/AFL_Taskforce_Report_Tasmania.pdf