Albanese weighs federal support for Tasmanian stadium as AFL pledges $360m for new team

Gillon McLachlan says other clubs ‘very close’ to supporting new team but emphasises it is contingent on stadium

Anthony Albanese has not ruled out federal funding for a new $715m stadium in Tasmania, as the head of the AFL visited the state to shore up faltering support for a new team.

The prime minister said on Thursday that the government was considering proposals for the Macquarie Point stadium ahead of the May budget, but stressed that any commitment would not just be for a sporting facility.