Tasmanian government increases taxpayer funding lure to secure AFL licence

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has defended upping the amount Tasmanian taxpayers will pay for an AFL team, saying it's necessary to secure a 19th AFL licence. Key points: The Tasmanian government has upped its funding offer for an AFL team licence, from $100 million over 10 years to $144 million over 12 years It's also said it will pay up to half of the estimated $375 million cost of a new stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point The Greens say they will support extra funding for an AFL licence — but backing a new stadium is still out of the question The government's bid put forward to the AFL over the weekend includes extending the term of the proposed funding deal by an extra two years, and spending an additional $54 million over that 12-year period. "We're prepared to cop it, $12 million a year for 12 years but we will not, do not, support a billion-dollar stadium on Hobart's waterfront," she said. "The party supports an AFL and AFLW team for Tasmania but we can't just write a blank cheque for the AFL — and we have never supported the Rockliff government's plan for a $750 million stadium in Hobart," they said. While both Labor and the Greens have opposed the proposed waterfront stadium, Mr Rockliff said it would "transform the Macquarie Point precinct" and grow the state's economy.