Tasmania stadium: Premier denies caving into AFL demands for cash in team bid

Premier Jeremy Rockliff is unapologetic about backing the state’s AFL team dream as he denies being ‘strongarmed’ by the AFL.

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff has denied being “strongarmed” by the AFL into coughing up an extra $54m in public funds to back the state’s team bid.

Documents released under Right to Information laws reveal Mr Rockliff described $150m in government backing as “a massive amount” in letters to AFL chief Gillon McLachlan in June and threatened to withdraw the offer if it wasn’t respected.

But in mid-September he announced an additional $54m in public funding for the bid.

On Thursday, Mr Rockliff said he was committed to pursuing the team.

“These are robust negotiations and absolutely, we’re committed to the great Tasmanian dream for that have been fought for many decades … our own team, our own colours, our own song and part of the national competition,” he said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“What is important is that this is a plan and an investment for the long term.

“As the AFL have said themselves, they are investing over the course of the next 10 years and more, some $360m into grassroots football.

“That is the other side of the ledger and the other side of the investments that need not be ignored.

“This is a collaborative effort, finalising negotiations now. We have an in-principle agreement, which we’re very open and transparent about and will continue to strongly advocate for our own team.”

Mr Rockliff said it was important for him as Premier to back big dreams.

“This is a an island that can do everything and an island that should not miss out on opportunity that other states have a part of and as Premier of Tasmania I will not say no to an opportunity, no matter how difficult that may well be politically.”