ANDREW Barr and Shane Rattenbury have reaffirmed their commitment to the 2012 Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement, following the resignation of Katy Gallagher as Chief Minister, and the nomination of Andrew Barr as the new Chief Minister.

Shane will vote to formally appoint Minister Barr as the ACT Chief Minister in the Legislative Assembly later this morning.

The two exchanged letters yesterday to reaffirm the endorsement of the Parliamentary Agreement for the 8th Assembly and ensure continued progress towards the remaining items.

The Parliamentary Agreement is a shared agenda to be implemented over the four-year term of the Government covering all portfolio areas. The Agreement was made in 2012 to formalise the relationship between the ACT Greens and ACT Labor to form Government until the next election in October 2016, when the Agreement expires.

“Both parties have reaffirmed their support for the Parliamentary Agreement, and remain committed to achieving Parliamentary Agreement items as part of a stable government,” Andrew said.

“The majority of items in the Agreement are either completed or under way and a substantial number of items received funding in the 2014-15 Budget.

“Public transport is a priority for our parties. An effective and efficient public transport system is vital to the future of the city. We are committed to increasing investment in public transport, including in light rail, and to progressing the first stage of Capital Metro.

Shane said he was pleased with the progress on the Agreement so far and looked forward to working with the new Chief Minister as part of a dynamic, sustainable and progressive government.

“There has been substantial progress on the Parliamentary Agreement in the first half of the term, including legislating a target for 90% renewable energy by 2020, substantial work towards the Common Ground project, which is now almost complete, $85m in federal funding secured to clean up our lakes and waterways, and improved animal welfare in the ACT through passage of legislation to ban caged hens and sow stalls,” Shane said.

“The Agreement forms the basis of a collaborative government and I am committed to working with Mr Barr to deliver good outcomes for the people of Canberra.

“The relationship between the ACT Greens and ACT Labor has formed an effective and responsible government that is committed to making Canberra a socially and environmentally responsible and sustainable city,” said Mr Rattenbury.