Punting stadium deal ‘has no penalty’ but lost opportunity, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says

As political pressure piles on the Premier to disclose the deal signed with the AFL on the stadium, he has assured there would be no financial consequence should the state decide to pull out.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson in Launceston. Picture: Patrick Gee

As political pressure piles on the Premier to disclose the deal signed with the AFL on the stadium, Jeremy Rockliff has assured there would be no financial consequence, should the state decide to pull out.

Labor and the Greens have continued to call on Mr Rockliff to release the details before parliament returns next week.

“There’s a clear opportunity now for Jeremy Rockliff to release details this week about what kind of secret deal he signed up to with the AFL,” Labor Leader Rebecca White said.

Labor leader Rebecca White with Janie Finlay Labor member for Bass in Launceston. Picture: Patrick Gee

“We don’t understand why the licence appears to have linked with the stadium and we want to see the deal to see whether that is the case or whether somebody is bluffing here.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it wasn’t too late for Tasmania to pull out of the deal.

“Last week in Question Time, the Premier said there was a cooling-off period … we don’t know when that cooling off period ends,” Ms O’Connor said.

“He still has time to walk away from this stadium.”

Mr Rockliff said details would be made available.

“We always said we’ll release the deal and as much of the deal as possible that’s not commercially in confidence,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We’ve been very open about what the cost is per year and the infrastructure required.”

He also confirmed there was no break clause in the contract, should the deal fall through.

“There’s no penalty provision except for lost opportunity, lost investment,” Mr Rockliff said.