Tasmania stands on the brink of entering the AFL with the proposed launch of a new team, the Tasmania Devils, under a controversial $1 billion deal. However, a substantial portion of the population in the state appears opposed to the conditions stipulated by the AFL, primarily the construction of a new stadium.
A YouGov poll reveals widespread discontent among Tasmanians, regardless of political affiliations, regarding the AFL’s demands. As the state prepares for elections on July 19, the poll shows that an overwhelming 69 per cent of participants believe that the AFL is treating Tasmania unfairly. This sentiment is echoed across various demographics, with significant agreement from Labour voters (72 per cent) and men (72 per cent), compared to 60 per cent of Liberal voters and 65 per cent of women.
Amidst these tensions, Premier Jeremy Rockliff, a prominent proponent of the stadium deal, recently faced a no-confidence vote, resulting in an uncertain political landscape as the election approaches. Locals are urging the incoming government, irrespective of the winning party, to renegotiate terms with the AFL and reconsider the new stadium project.
The poll further indicates that 69 per cent of residents favour parliament’s intervention in renegotiating with the AFL to sidestep the stadium construction. Support for this proposition crosses partisan lines, with 71 per cent of Labour voters and 56 per cent of Liberal voters backing the idea.
Leanne Minshull, a strategy director with the Australia Institute, contends the current stadium deal is inadequate and has sparked outrage among Tasmanians. She emphasises that while the community deserves an AFL team, taxpayers shouldn’t bear the financial burden of funding a billion-dollar stadium. Minshull criticises the AFL’s negotiation tactics, suggesting that the organisation has pressured Tasmanians into accepting an unfavourable proposition, calling it one of the most preposterous agreements in Australian sports history.
Minshull asserts that the way Tasmania has been treated by the AFL is disgraceful, especially given its long-standing contributions to Australian football. As the election date draws near, the collective demand from Tasmanians is clear: stand firm against the AFL’s demands and assert their rights in the negotiation process.