ACT Greens reject new deal with Labor Government

The ACT Greens have declined to enter into a new confidence and supply agreement with the Labor Government for the remainder of the current term. Greens Leader Jo Clay stated the decision follows a failure to reach firm commitments on several key issues, including rental protections, library services, disability support, and climate action.

Ms. Clay criticized the Labor Government for offering “vague promises” rather than concrete actions with specific delivery dates, noting a lack of accountability in Labor’s counter-offers. Specific points of contention included the restoration of weekend library services, gambling harm reduction, and plans for phasing out petrol and diesel transport.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr expressed disappointment, noting that while the discussions were constructive and identified common ground, Labor could not agree to certain fixed delivery dates, specific funding commitments, or prescribed implementation methods. Despite the breakdown in negotiations, the Greens have ruled out attempting to topple the government or forming an alternative coalition with the Canberra Liberals, opting instead to remain on the crossbench and negotiate on an issue-by-issue basis.