Multi-purpose Macquarie Point stadium will go ahead: AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has weighed in on the Macquarie Point stadium debate assuring it would still be built despite the Tasmanian Government being thrown into chaos. LATEST >

THE AFL is sticking to its “no stadium, no team” policy for Tasmania but league boss Gillon McLachlan gave his “categorical” assurance Macquarie Point Stadium would be built regardless of the state’s political turmoil.

Speaking on Melbourne radio on Friday, McLachlan was confident the stadium would proceed regardless of changes in government or changes to government.

When asked by 3AW’s Tony Jones if the parliamentary pandemonium put in danger Tasmania’s AFL licence, officially signed in Hobart only nine days ago, McLachlan said it did not.

“No. We’ve got a binding agreement,” he said.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Gillon McLachlan, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL speaks with media during the AFL Tasmanian Team Announcement at North Hobart Oval on May 03, 2023 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL Commission and 18 club presidents agreed to green light Tasmania’s 19th licence on the basis it included a stadium at Mac Point.

FIRST LOOK: New designs of what Hobart's new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point could look like. Images supplied by AFL

Irrespective of whether it is a minority government or a different government, McLachlan assured Tasmanian footy fans the deal was in place and a roofed multi-purpose stadium would go ahead.

“Yes,” he said.

Asked if he could say that categorically, McLachlan said: “That was pretty categorical, wasn’t it? It was a sharp ‘yes’ to be categorical.”

Tasmania’s Liberal government is in minority after two backbenchers Lara Alexander (Bass) and John Tucker (Lyons) quit the party on Friday to sit as independents over spending on a $715m stadium and Macquarie Point urban renewal project, backed by the Federal Government to the tune of $240m.

Neither Tuckers or Alexander voiced objection to the $65m Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to upgrade UTas Stadium in Launceston.

McLachlan asked Tasmanians to look at the big picture.

“Big decisions are difficult. All I’d say to everyone, and I’ve said this repeatedly, it’s an incredible deal for Tasmania and football,” he said.

“Adelaide Oval was as unpopular or had as much opposition, and now it’s the pride of South Australia.

“It changed the economy, it changed the way people over there think about themselves.

“I have absolute conviction a stadium will do that for the state as well as an AFL team.

“It will change the landscape.

“People are clearly entitled to their views but I feel it’s going to be a big deal for Tasmania.”