A subsidiary of a firm owned by the Chinese government is in the mix to bid for a $1.13 billion stadium construction contract.
The Tasmanian government has selected Constructure Joint Venture and BESIX Watpac to participate in the tender process to build Hobart's Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium.
The divisive 23,000-seat roofed waterfront venue, which was approved by state parliament in December, will be the home of the Tasmania Devils AFL club.
Both groups cleared the initial expression-of-interest phase and will pass through to the preliminary stages of the tender process.
Constructure comprises several firms, including China Construction Oceania, a subsidiary of parent company China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
Headquartered in Beijing, the corporation is among the world's largest construction companies with more than 360,000 employees, according to its website.
Italian firm Webuild S.p.A. and New Zealand-founded McConnell Dowell are also key partners.
Asked if he was comfortable with the Chinese government potentially being involved, Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Minister Eric Abetz would not be drawn.
"It's, if you like, a joint venture between three different national companies," he told reporters on Sunday.
"We look forward to the bid and moving forward."
Tier-one construction firms that operate in Australia are generally internationally owned, Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Anne Beach said.
"It gives us the benefit of a balance sheet, the capacity, the risk management and the expertise," Ms Beach said.
"It is a joint venture and Webuild is the lead in that, and we're comfortable they've demonstrated capacity to deliver on this project."
The Tasmanian government hopes to award a contract for the stadium's construction by the end of 2026.
It was recently revealed the venue would not be ready until 2031 - Tasmania's third season in the AFL and AFLW.
The stadium, which was a condition of the Devils securing their AFL licence, sparked protests and rallies from both sides of the fence.
The master plan for the Macquarie Point precinct, released in April, includes impressions of housing and retail areas to be built around the venue.
The federal government is contributing $240 million towards the precinct and stadium, which was conditional on the master plan being approved.
Shadow stadiums and sport minister Luke Edmunds welcomed progress being made on the stadium but said it came too late.
"Labor welcomes progress on this infrastructure project because it will create jobs and secure the Devils club," he told AAP.
"It is concerning, however, that Tasmania's stadium build might be overlooked as the best major construction players in the nation vie to be a part of the Brisbane Olympics project, which is progressing much faster than Macquarie Point."
Regardless of who was awarded the construction contract, he said the priority was ensuring local workers were involved in its delivery.
Mr Abetz said local firms and workers would have a significant role.
"This project will create opportunities for Tasmanian businesses, subcontractors, workers, apprentices and training opportunities as delivery progresses," he said.
China Construction Oceania is also involved in the delivery of Victoria's North East Link project.
The Queensland government has selected Australia-based BESIX Watpac as one of two final bidders for the proposed Brisbane Stadium project.
Australian Associated Press