The third report on the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement (PAGA) for the 10th ACT Legislative Assembly shows good progress on the agreement between ACT Labor and the ACT Greens.
Key milestones have been delivered including affordable housing initiatives, supporting our community's transition to a low emissions future and improving equitable access to early childhood education.
Important legislative reform has progressed and significant changes have been made to the Territory Plan, increasing housing choice, access and affordability.
Over the last 12 months more than 60 initiatives have been delivered.
The PAGA was signed by all ACT Labor and ACT Greens MLAs represented in the ACT Legislative Assembly following the 2020 Election, summarising the shared priorities and commitments of the two parties.
ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall is now also a signatory to the PAGA after being elected to fill the casual vacancy for Brindabella.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr
"ACT Labor is prioritising health, education, housing, cost of living and infrastructure.
"Canberrans will be able to access free public health care at the expanded Canberra Hospital, and our nurse-led walk-in centres will be offering even more free health services. Work will also continue on our new network of health centres and the Northside Hospital in Bruce.
"Labor is also supporting the construction of more homes using a combination of planning reforms, urban renewal precincts, new suburban land release, build to rent incentives and stamp duty cuts to increase supply and improve affordability of owner occupier and rental housing in the Territory.
"In 2024, work will continue on key projects outlined in the Government's Infrastructure Plan. There will be progress on the planning, design or construction of a number of once-in-a-generation projects that will shape our city's future. This includes the new Woden CIT Campus, the Molonglo Valley Bridge, the city theatre precinct, light rail to Commonwealth Park, a new indoor entertainment facility and the health, education and sports precinct in Belconnen.
"As we deliver our comprehensive health, housing and infrastructure plans, Labor will continue to support vulnerable Canberrans experiencing cost-of-living pressures.
"In the lead up to the 2024 Budget, I have established a new cost-of-living sub-committee of Cabinet. The sub-committee will be tasked with developing proposals that can alleviate financial pressure on Canberrans most impacted by energy, education, health and transport costs during a period of high national inflation."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury
"The Greens are focused on facing up to the climate crisis and the housing crisis with the urgency they demand.
"As the housing crisis continues to deepen, we've changed the power imbalance for renters by ending no cause evictions, lifted the quality of homes in our planning system, and required that all new homes in Canberra be accessible for people regardless of age, disability or other factors.
"As the impacts of the climate crisis continue, we're building up our community's defences with energy efficiency standards in rental properties, sustainability standards in the Building Code, protection for mature trees that provide shade and habitat, and a ban on new gas connections to make all new homes and buildings all-electric, powered by 100% clean energy.
"We've enhanced human rights amid the climate crisis by legislating Canberrans' right to a healthy environment, and we're tacking inequality by providing better support to children and families as part of raising the age of criminal responsibility.
"This two-party government is working hard to make Canberra a place where everyone is able to live a healthy, fulfilling life with strong connections to their community, in a way that cares for our planet. We are proud to have worked together to deliver on big promises that make a real difference to people's lives."
