Member for Franklin Julie Collin says funding for Macquarie Point is capped

The federal government says it remains steadfast on not providing further funding for the Macquarie Point Stadium as Tasmanians ask why an NRL team is receiving much more.

Hobart's proposed AFL Stadium at Mac Point. Picture: Supplied

The federal government remains steadfast on capping its funding at $240m towards a new stadium at Macquarie Point according to Member for Franklin Julie Collins.

Question marks have been raised over the amount with the Albanese Government signing a deal worth $600m which will help launch an NRL team in Papua New Guinea.

When pressed about further funding at a press conference on Wednesday, Collins said the reasons were beyond much more than just a new stadium which would be home to the AFL’s 19th team, the Tasmania Devils.

“We’ve been very clear there our commitment is capped at $240m and it’s about the broader precinct at Macquarie Point,” Collins said.

“We have an agreement with the Tasmanian government which includes affordable housing and includes upgrades to the wharves to ensure Hobart remains the gateway to the Antarctic.

“This is an entire precinct plan. We’ve seen that site derelict for far too long. As Tasmanians would know almost 70 per cent of the Tasmanian state budget actually comes from the Federal tax payer.

“As a federal government, we invest strategically right across the region and we’ve been making investments in the Pacific given the current geopolitical context.”

Last year, News Corp revealed Australian NRL players who made the move to Port Moresby to join the club would receive tax benefits to play for the new club.

For example, Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary is on $1.3m a season and under a tax-reduced PNG contract could save almost $600,000 on the tax he pays in Australia every year.

Originally published as Member for Franklin Julie Collin says funding for Macquarie Point is capped