WAFC Media Statement – State Government negotiations

Negotiations with State Government representatives regarding a future funding model for WA football will continue this week as scheduled.

West Australian Football Commission CEO Gavin Taylor confirmed the WAFC has been making positive progress and that discussions are ongoing.

“No offers have been accepted or rejected by the WAFC as negotiations are still in progress. Our discussions with the State Government’s representatives continue in good faith and further meetings are planned in the coming week,” Mr Taylor said.

“A future funding agreement is centred on the WAFC being the beneficiary of a revenue model from our two AFL clubs playing at Perth Stadium. This is what we call the ‘football economy’.

“The community is not being asked to unconditionally fund football through the government.

“The new stadium underpins WA Football’s financial model and it is crucial that football remains financially independent and can deliver its significant social and community outcomes across Western Australia.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, the WAFC has a responsibility for more than 300,000 participants from Auskick to senior competitions all the way from Esperance to Kununurra, which rely on our funding.

“The WA Football Commission must also ensure there is clarity around a future home for football before any agreement is made to cede the Subiaco Oval lease,” he said

Mr Taylor said the WAFC and the State are working toward the same objective, which is to have AFL played at Perth Stadium.

“We look forward to reaching a resolution with the State as soon as possible,” he said.