Jeremy Rockliff’s refusal to commit to the stadium POSS decision coming before the Parliament by 30 June 2025 has validated growing angst among AFL presidents about his ability to deliver a stadium and cast further doubt over Tasmania’s license agreement.

Yesterday, it was revealed that AFL presidents have become so concerned by delays to the project that “the drastic option of delaying the Devils’ entry to the competition at this stage can’t be ruled out.”

The Premier could have helped eased these concerns by committing to the POSS decision coming before the parliament by 30 June – a key milestone and condition of the deal he signed with AFL that allows the league to terminate the deal if not met. The fact that he couldn’t tells you everything you need to know about how this project is going under his watch.

Labor supports a stadium because it will generate desperately needed jobs and investment in Tasmania, and secure the AFL and AFLW teams our state deserves.

With record members and a great off-field setup, the Devils are firing on all cylinders in every area that doesn’t involve the Government. The biggest risk to their future is Jeremy Rockliff’s Minority Liberal Government’s failure to deliver.

The Premier has already trashed Tasmania’s investment reputation with his handling of the Spirits fiasco. Our state can’t afford him to inflict any more reputational damage, and the Premier needs to come clean today about whether or not he plans to stick to the 30 June POSS deadline.

Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Sports & Events