Minister Barr: Labor and Greens finalise Parliamentary Agreement
- Written by ACT Government
Released 31/10/2016
ACT Labor and the ACT Greens released a new Parliamentary Agreement today, mapping out their shared goals for the Ninth Legislative Assembly.
The agreement covers shared priorities in health, education, transport, the environment and a range of other areas. It builds on four years of effective and stable minority government and paves the way for the re-election of Andrew Barr as Chief Minister tomorrow.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that with the agreement in place, the Canberra community can be assured of stable, progressive government for the next four years.
“The message from Canberrans was clear at this election: they want a progressive government. Canberrans gave us the privilege of a mandate to deliver a progresive agenda - a 10 year plan for health; improved local services, like green bins and bulky waste collections; fairer taxes; world-leading education, with a device for every high school student; better transport, including the second stage of light rail; and a thriving, diverse economy with great jobs,” the Chief Minister said.
Deputy Labor leader Yvette Berry said she looked forward to working with the Greens.
“I am particularly pleased that this agreement maps out some important shared goals in education, health and transport. These reflect core Labor values and we’ll work with effectively the Greens in this term, just as we did in the last, and make the Canberra we all love even better,” she said.
Shane Rattenbury and Caroline Le Couteur have welcomed the signing of the Parliamentary Agreement and the shared commitment to deliver an ACT integrity commission, stage two of the light rail and invest in more affordable housing, needs-based education funding and more public transport for the ACT.
“The Greens are particularly pleased to have secured the Labor Party’s support for an Office of Mental Health, more funding for walking and cycling, and a drug and alcohol court. However, we will continue to advocate for stronger gambling harm minimisation measures including $1 bets and mandatory pre-commitment over the next four years,” Shane Rattenbury said.
“We are pleased that we have a common commitment to more affordable housing and reforming our planning system. This Parliamentary Agreement is just the starting point of our work together to make sure progressive voters’ voices are heard in the Assembly over the next four years,” Caroline Le Couteur said.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
