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Tasmania’s AFL Stadium Bid Enters Parliament With Upper House Vote Set for December

The decision will determine whether the Devils’ AFL licence becomes unconditional.

Overview

  • The $1.13 billion stadium order has been tabled, with debate in the lower house expected after interim budget business next week and backing from about 25 of 35 MPs.
  • The Legislative Council will vote on December 3–4, with at least eight votes needed and three of five undecided independents holding the balance.
  • State funding totals $375 million alongside claimed federal and AFL contributions of roughly $600 million, while official reports warn of cost blowouts and a potential $1–$1.8 billion debt burden over time.
  • The AFL says the Devils’ licence requires a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point, with the licence at risk if parliament says no and tendering likely in early 2026 if it says yes.
  • A private investor group has promoted a ‘MAC 2.0’ precinct with a hospital, housing and a convention centre as a faster, same-cost alternative, though the government is pressing ahead with its plan and Devils boss Brendon Gale says he has “no idea” how the vote will go.