PM’s no to Tassie AFL

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has ruled out funding a Tasmanian AFL team, saying the league should throw its weight behind the push.

Mr Turnbull said Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was treating Tasmanians with contempt over his pledge to give $25 million towards a new team without speaking to the AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.

“I have actually spoken to the AFL – to Gill McLachlan – and urged him to get behind a Tassie team,” Mr Turnbull said.

Labor will stump up the cash if the AFL grants Tasmania a licence to play at the top level.