A study analysing the social impacts of an AFL team in Darwin will remain confidential for now
A government-commissioned study into the social and economic benefits of an AFL team in the Northern Territory will remain confidential for now. Take part in our AFL team poll.
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A government-commissioned study into the social impacts of having an AFL team in the Territory is expected to remain confidential.
The government allocated up to $100,000 for local company GHD Pty Ltd to complete the Social Impact Evaluation to assess the social and economic benefits of a potential 20th league team if Tasmania’s bid is approved.
It comes as former league boss Andrew Demetriou said the Territory would be the Apple Isle’s “best ally” when it came to a bid.
The study will inform a business case the government hopes to produce by year’s end but could be delayed into the new year.
Sports Minister Kate Worden, who is also co-chair of a special taskforce behind a potential bid, hoped to present the business case to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles by December.
“If we have to delay it into the new year that doesn’t concern me at all,” Ms Worden said this week.
“All of the members want to get this right the first time. It’s a lot of work.
“It means we’ve already had to look at our pathways.
“We have to look at what sort of facilities we will need.
“It’s a very, very broad ranging taskforce.”
Minister Worden said the government was presented with draft results of the study to “feed into the overall business case”.
With the taskforce due to meet with the league in Melbourne, the document could stay an “internal working document” for now.
“It may be best that we keep that as an internal document for any discussions going forward with the AFL,” she said.
“But we’ll see how that happens.”
She said the study would make “a big difference” in providing the taskforce with a clearer picture of what might be required.
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