His tenure highlights how stable and cooperative minority and coalition governments can deliver consistent outcomes for the community over the long term.
"Shane Rattenbury's 18 years in balance of power is both a world record and proof that stable, collaborative power-sharing parliaments can deliver real results for the community," said Bill Browne, Director of The Australia Institute's Democracy & Accountability Program.
"Far from the instability some fear, the ACT has shown that shared power arrangements can result in good governance and steady progress in the interests of voters. Westminster parliaments thrive when no one party has complete control.
"For nearly two decades, Canberrans have benefited from a parliament where cooperation, not conflict, has been the norm. That's something to be proud of.
"During this period of power-sharing government, the ACT has transitioned to 100% renewables, introduced an anti-corruption commission, built light rail, taken a harm minimisation approach to drugs, invested in keeping people out of jail, raised the age of criminal responsibility and improved housing standards.
"The ACT experience should put to rest the idea that only majority governments can be stable, popular or enduring. Both in the ACT and across Australia, power-sharing governments have proven to be among the most productive.
"Through changing political cycles, the ACT has delivered consistent, long-term reform. That kind of continuity is only possible when parties are willing to work together in good faith.
"This moment is a reminder that when no single party dominates, it can create space for more voices, better scrutiny, and ultimately better policy."
