The Greens have today confirmed that there will be no new confidence and supply agreement with the ACT Labor Government for the remainder of the term.
"When negotiations began in early August, the Greens' goal was simple: secure the best possible outcomes for Canberrans, the climate, and environment. This means measurable progress on public housing, stronger protections for renters, protecting the Western Edge, and properly resourced community services like our libraries," said ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay.
"The Greens set a clear, fair bar, and kept the door open for long as possible to reach an agreement. From the counter-offers we received from Labor, disappointingly for Canberrans, Labor chose not to be accountable in delivering their own policy.
"We asked for reasonable outcomes with dates attached. But what we got in return was non-commitment.
"As we've seen very recently, from the cancelled ice rink in Tuggeranong, to below-inflation pay offers for teachers, to cut library hours, the community is tired of good intentions with no follow-through."
In rounds of negotiations, Labor refused to commit to delivering in this term:
- Basic rental protections, including a portable bond scheme, already in place in Victoria and NSW, and a Rental Ombudsman with teeth so renters can access their rights.
- Restoring weekend library services at Kippax and Erindale by July 2027, despite more than 3,500 Canberrans demanding it.
- Clear action to protect the Western Edge and conservation areas within our footprint, despite Labor having already completed the work and environmental studies needed to take these steps.
- Genuine, shared decision-making with Traditional Custodians on all matters that affect their Country, instead diluting the role we sought for Traditional Custodians in key decisions.
- Gambling harm reduction measures that actually work, despite Canberrans losing more than $200 million last year to the gambling industry.
- End funding for the loss-making and dangerous horse racing industry which Labor wants to continue funding for another six years.
- A clear action plan to phase out petrol and diesel transport, despite the current fuel crisis hitting Canberrans' back pockets, and Labor's own commitment to phase out by 2035.
- A modest fund of at least $5 million a year to deliver the Government's own climate action plan.
- Spend the $90 million already allocated by the ACT Government for foundational disability supports to ensure no cliff edge for Canberrans who will lose or have reduced NDIS supports and have identified unmet essential support needs.
"These are reasonable things to request for the community. They are all consistent with what Canberrans have told us they want," said Ms Clay.
"It's clear the Labor Government simply doesn't want to commit to delivering clear on the ground services like these, instead opting for vague promises and reporting rather than concrete actions they can be held accountable for."
