Tasmania's AFL aspirations hinge on stadium vote

Tasmania's bid for an AFL team hinges on the state parliament passing special legislation to construct a controversial 23,000-seat stadium on Hobart's waterfront, a key condition set by the AFL for granting the team licence. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has warned that both the stadium and the team's future will be scrapped if the legislation fails, as the AFL remains firm on its requirement for the new venue. While the legislation is expected to pass the lower house with support from the Liberals and Labor, it still requires the backing of at least two independents in the upper house. Opponents, including the Greens, accuse the premier of political pressure tactics and argue the stadium's impact has not been fully considered. The government cites looming construction deadlines and potential financial penalties as reasons for bypassing the usual planning process. The legislation is scheduled for public release and a vote later this year, with Tasmania's AFL aspirations hanging in the balance.