The Premier, Lara Giddings, says Cabinet must take its time on whether to pay $500,000 for two North Melbourne games a year over the next three years.
In a statement, Ms Giddings says Tasmanians need to be assured that all factors in the debate are being considered in the face of the state's tough budget situation.
The AFL says the delay has not jeopardised the plan for North Melbourne to play at Bellerive.
Last week the League warned a decision is needed before the end of this week, because it is already planning next year's roster.
An AFL spokesman says it has already been been notified by the Government about the delay which is unlikely to put the deal in danger.
The plan would cost taxpayers about $500,000 a year for North Melbourne to play two games at Bellerive.
Local councils and business are contributing another $500,000.
Tasmania's two Greens ministers say the spending can not be justified given the budget black hole.
Southern councils can not understand why Cabinet has deferred debate.
The councils and businesses are trying to raise the money for the three-year deal and the delayed decision has councils fuming.
The Brighton Mayor, Tony Foster, says cabinet has had proof for months about the deal's economic benefits.
"It's the bargain of the century, I can not understand what is going on in Cabinet," he said.
Others have welcomed the delay.
The chairman of Launceston's York Park, Robin McKendrick, hopes it is evidence the Government will not support the deal.
"Tasmania just cannot afford to duplicate."
Tags: government-and-politics, the-budget, sport, australian-football-league, programs-and-initiatives, tas, bellerive-7018, melbourne-3000 First posted May 30, 2011 16:45:00
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