The time is right to plan for a Tasmanian AFL team

A bipartisan, non-parochial roundtable will give Tasmania its best chance of being represented in the AFL.

Labor Leader Bryan Green used his Budget reply speech to start the ball rolling.

“The time has come to strive for one Tasmanian team in the AFL,” Mr Green said.

“Labor backs the current partnerships with Hawthorn and North Melbourne and will support a new five year deal between the Tasmanian Government and the Hawks.

“But we cannot afford to wait until the next Hawthorn deal expires to focus on the goal on Tasmania being represented by one team.

“We must come together now to present a united front for a Tasmanian AFL team.

“I believe we need to plan for the future when it comes to infrastructure to make sure we’re ready for a team to be based here.

“We also need to think about talent development now, not later. An AFL academy program needs to be considered to give our young footballers the best chance of fulfilling their potential.

“It’s happening in Queensland and New South Wales, there’s no reason why it can’t happen here.

“Our enormous contribution to football over the last century and a half deserves to be rewarded with our rightful place in the national league.

“I will be writing to football administrators, newspaper editors, electronic media representatives and the Premier to invite them to be part of the roundtable.

“Parochial grievances and political differences must be put to one side for the benefit of the whole state.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader