The Public Accounts Committee continues to grill ministers over the proposed stadium

Treasurer Michael Ferguson is the latest government minister to front an inquiry into the Macquarie Point stadium. Read what was said during the hearing >>

A concept image of Hobart's proposed stadium at Macquarie Point — the design is yet to be finalised. (Supplied: AFL)

Tasmania’s Deputy Premier and Treasurer has backed his leader and the Macquarie Point stadium project during a parliamentary inquiry.

Appearing at a Public Accounts Committee hearing on Wednesday, Michael Ferguson reiterated his faith in Jeremy Rockliff’s handing of the AFL deal.

The stadium’s impact on the state’s finances was a key focus of the hearing.

Labor MLC Josh Willie asked Mr Ferguson why he hadn’t asked to see the AFL deal brokered by Mr Rockliff before it was signed.

“Because I’m satisfied, and I trust the Premier to be able to negotiate a deal in good faith,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I was verbally kept informed of the progress of the negotiations.”

Mr Ferguson faced questions on whether Treasury provided advice on the financial impact of the stadium, currently estimated to cost $715m.

He said the Department of State Growth didn’t need Treasury to “hold its hand” when it came to major projects.

“That’s not how it works. State Growth is perfectly equipped and capable of planning and delivering large projects,” he said.

Budget Estimates, Treasurer Michael Ferguson. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Willie again raised Labor’s scepticism about the business case for the stadium.

“Do you have any concerns about the business case and the assumptions that were in it?” Mr Willie said.

Mr Ferguson hit back at Labor’s economic arguments around the stadium.

“I can’t imagine what it feels like going around with 10 broken toes from kicking all the tyres that you do,” he said.

“Rather than criticising I think you should give the Premier a pat on the back.”

Committee chair Ruth Forrest asked Mr Ferguson if he was worried the Tasmanian team could run into financial trouble and need to be propped up with more public money.

“I don’t hold that concern at all. It’s certainly not a challenge for the budget to be able to do that in future years,” Mr Ferguson said.

Regarding the overall cost of the Macquarie Point urban renewal project, Mr Ferguson said the state government may seek further federal funding.

“We may well need to see some investment from the private sector. We won’t rule out the opportunity to seek further Australian Government support through its programs and so we should if that was possible,” he said.

Labor economic development spokesman Dean Winter said the lack of Treasury advice and the lack of Cabinet oversight on the AFL deal was “scandalous”.

“The Premier has been reckless. He has effectively written a billion dollar cheque with no Treasury advice and no input from Cabinet,” Mr Winter said.