People’s Forum: Jeremy Rockliff, Rebecca White lay out their stance on a new AFL stadium in Hobart

‘Reality check’ needed on new AFL stadium, or ‘have it both ways’. Tasmania’s leaders debate one of the election’s hot topics: building a new Hobart AFL stadium. Here’s what they had to say.

Designs of what Hobart's new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point could look like. Images supplied by AFL

Both major party leaders have their Tasmania Devils membership, however don’t see eye-to-eye on building a new stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point.

The deal struck with the state government and the AFL last year was contingent on a new roofed AFL stadium.

Speaking on Wednesday at Sky News / The Mercury People’s Forum, the Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Labor leader Rebecca White made their points clear.

The question poised was whether the state government’s promise to only spend $375m capped funding risked creating a funding blackhole.

Matthew Richardson poses with The Tasmania Devils inaugural jumper during the Tasmania Football Club Launch at Paranaple Convention Centre on March 18, 2024 in Devonport, Australia. Photo: Michael Willson/AFL

The Premier responded saying the stadium would be an economic enabler for Tasmania.

“We can have both,” Mr Rockliff said.

He said the state could secure an AFL stadium alongside roads and infrastructure.

Mr Rockliff said any amount over that budgeted by the government would be paid for by the private sector.

Ms White said the Liberals needed a “reality check”.

“Where is the magical investment from the private sector?” she said.

“It doesn’t exist.”

She said the costs were not costed by treasury and the AFL deal didn’t go to cabinet to decide, which Mr Rockliff rejected saying the costs were budgeted for.

Ms White said building a stadium was about risk.

“We want a team, but our urgent priority is cost of living,” she said.

She said any future government would need to renegotiate a deal with the AFL.

Mr Rockliff said a “deal is a deal”.

Another question on the cost of the stadium flared debate.

Ms White said the stadium was forcast to run at a loss for 20 years with no revenue to the tax payer and only $300,000 back on payrole tax.

Mr Rockliff said the stadium would inject $2bln of economic activity to the state.

When given the opportunity to ask their opponent a question, Mr Rockliff asked Ms White who she had spoken to at the AFL on renegotiating a deal.

Ms White said she was “surprised” that was the question, and said she wouldn’t say who as it was “not appropriate and I’m respectful of people’s professionalism”.

“I’ll stand up for Tasmania.

Mr Rockliff accused the Labor leader of not telling the the truth.