AFL chief-in-waiting executive Andrew Dillon will give evidence at a parliamentary inquiry examining controversial plans for a $715 million stadium in Hobart.
The AFL says Tasmania’s slated entry into the AFL in 2028 is contingent on the construction of the waterfront stadium at Macquarie Point.
The stadium proposal is backed by the state Liberal government, but opposed by state Labor and the Greens, as well as thousands who protested in May.
It has caused political turmoil for the state government, which was plunged into minority last month when two MPs who cited concerns about the stadium and AFL deal quit the party.
Critics have argued the stadium funding could be better spent on health, education and affordable housing.
Mr Dillon, who will replace AFL boss Gillon McLachlan in October, will appear before a state parliamentary committee on Friday morning.
The committee is examining the government’s deal with the AFL, the suitability of Macquarie Point as a site, as well as financial risks and other related issues.
The government is contributing $375m towards the stadium, the federal government $240m and the AFL $15m.
Tasmania’s deal with the AFL was released publicly as part of a deal Premier Jeremy Rockliff struck with the two rogue MPs.
The state is solely responsible for any stadium cost overruns under the agreement.
Tasmania has fought for decades for inclusion in the national competition and was granted the competition’s 19th licence on May 3.
