Jeremy Rockliff has signed a deal with the AFL where the Tasmania taxpayer takes on all the risks.

The vast majority of the costs are paid by the Tasmanian taxpayer, yet we do not have control of the team, and we only have a 12-year guarantee for the team.

To put it even more bluntly, we pay at least $1 billion for a stadium and team, and we only get a 12-year license.

Tasmania is also responsible for all cost blowouts in the building and financing of the stadium.

It is no wonder Jeremy Rockliff kept this deal secret for so long, and make no mistake, the only reason he did release it was because his hand was forced.

It took the defection of two of his backbenchers and his government to be plunged into minority for him to release the details of the secret AFL deal.

The AFL own the license, appoint the chair, control board appointments, and the AFL also hold a majority of board positions.

This deal means Tasmania takes on all the risks, and the AFL reaps the rewards.

How could Jeremy Rockliff sign us up to such a dud deal?

Shane Broad MP  
Shadow Treasurer