02/11/2026
I support Tasmania having an AFL team, and I realise the stadium is going ahead. I’m not trying to reopen the argument about whether it should be built. The question I want answered now is: how will the cost actually be paid off?
There are two possible sources of money coming back:
1. The stadium’s own income from events, tickets, venue hire and sponsorship. But the published business case projected an operating loss, before maintenance costs.
2. Tax from wider economic activity. Visitors may spend money with local businesses, creating jobs and economic benefits. But payroll tax applies only to employers above the wage threshold, GST is shared through the national distribution system, and workers’ income tax goes to the Commonwealth. I haven’t seen published figures showing these extra taxes will cover the stadium’s interest and costs.
I’m not saying the stadium will bring no benefits. I’m asking the government to explain what money will repay the construction cost, interest and ongoing expenses; who will cover any shortfall; and over what timeframe—whether that’s 30 years, 60 years or longer.
The current published estimate is $1.13 billion, with the final construction price still to be confirmed. I want to understand how the government expects that cost to be managed, so Tasmanians know what they’ll be carrying over the years.
Sources
* Tasmanian Government, 2026–27 Budget: stadium cost estimate.
* ABC News: stadium operating deficit and lifecycle maintenance estimates.
* Tasmanian State Revenue Office: payroll tax thresholds and rates.
* Australian Treasury: GST distribution to states and territories.
