Only two submissions have been received by the Labor proposed Senate Inquiry into the establishment of an AFL team in Tasmania, Liberal Senator Guy Barnett said today on behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team.
'We support a Senate motion to disband this inquiry because there are many more priorities for the Senate,' Senator Barnett said.
The inquiry is being conducted by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs Committee and has received just two submissions since being referred in August of last year, and is yet to hold hearings.
The State Government has not made a submission to the inquiry and is cautious about doing so because it may jeopardise it's ongoing discussions with the AFL regarding a possible future Tasmanian team.
'Right now, people are thinking about keeping their jobs and surviving the global financial crisis. The Senate can better use its time addressing issues like these,' Senator Barnett said.
'AFL footy is great for Tasmania and we have a proud tradition in the game.'
'The Government needs to focus on the important issues at this time. Holding a Senate inquiry on this issue in the middle of a recession makes no sense.'
'The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team strongly supports an AFL team for Tasmania and all are members of an AFL club,' Senator Barnett said.
The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team consists of Senator Eric Abetz, Senator Richard Colbeck, Senator Stephen Parry, Senator Guy Barnett and Senator David Bushby.
Motion Attached