<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332519</docID> <postdate>2024-11-06 09:31:56</postdate> <headline>Independent Emerson falls into line with Labor</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-330485" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Thomas-Emerson-resized-e1728361787659.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Independents for Canberra member Thomas Emerson... “Canberrans have been calling for more transparency, accountability and responsiveness from our government. This agreement is a good first step toward answering those calls."</caption> <p><strong>Independent MLA for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson signed an agreement early on Wednesday with Andrew Barr confirming his support for an incoming Labor-led government with supply and confidence, and Barr’s candidacy as chief minister.</strong></p> <p>Emerson said he wanted to see the formation of a stable government and would remain on the crossbench.</p> <p>“Canberrans have been calling for more transparency, accountability and responsiveness from our government. This agreement is a good first step toward answering those calls,†he said.</p> <p>Emerson said a series of good-faith conversations across party lines had informed his decision to negotiate the agreement with Barr, which included 24 clauses covering a series of administrative and policy-related commitments.</p> <p>“This agreement will ensure action is taken in areas where it’s desperately needed,†said Mr Emerson.</p> <p>“Everyone should have a safe place to sleep in our city.</p> <p>“Young people should have a future they can feel excited about here.</p> <p>“Canberra should be a place where we commit to tackling disadvantage and ensuring everyone can thrive, regardless of income, age or background.</p> <p>“Although we hoped to be negotiating for our community from a stronger balance-of-power position, I am encouraged that this agreement initiates a constructive relationship with a governing party that expects independents to play a significant role in the Assembly.â€</p> <p>The agreement is <a href="https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/r?u=gIg-NMnXcjR5g88bKO3eoOx7GCv6ZvPKWnnktl-s_20kR8btH76zL0IwTiQOVAzSusJ4GGNe8UUk4xXBn-6z6p7H4vK_j43zzt13AUzzGvSpivslRiH5oQBjpvONss02oHFBr97Pxflk58bComMudau3KF_mzFsGnj4H2wxfmAdZBO-RLDfOIiW2LUg1K820axrAVOkrBKww-mKb12RH-g&e=71c44edec71e47ba71d225a3dbefb42a&utm_source=independentsforcanberra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=241106mr&n=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/r?u%3DgIg-NMnXcjR5g88bKO3eoOx7GCv6ZvPKWnnktl-s_20kR8btH76zL0IwTiQOVAzSusJ4GGNe8UUk4xXBn-6z6p7H4vK_j43zzt13AUzzGvSpivslRiH5oQBjpvONss02oHFBr97Pxflk58bComMudau3KF_mzFsGnj4H2wxfmAdZBO-RLDfOIiW2LUg1K820axrAVOkrBKww-mKb12RH-g%26e%3D71c44edec71e47ba71d225a3dbefb42a%26utm_source%3Dindependentsforcanberra%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3D241106mr%26n%3D2&source=gmail&ust=1730930979447000&usg=AOvVaw1CauQMQcvIBoEZBfGdWGHh"><strong>here</strong></a> and includes commitments to:</p> <ol> <li><em>Increase the proportion of social housing dwellings in the ACT.</em></li> <li><em>Improve support for vulnerable community members by ensuring community sector funding accounts for growth in population, salaries in the sector and complexity of need.</em></li> <li><em>Examine new methods to reduce elective surgery wait times.</em></li> <li><em>Recruit more park rangers to work on environmental conservation and invasive species management.</em></li> <li><em>Establish a Strata Commissioner with retirement villages included within its remit.</em></li> <li><em>Stand up a comprehensive inquiry, or series of inquiries, into the ACT’s criminal justice system to address high reoffending rates.</em></li> <li><em>Deliver a long-term community sport infrastructure plan to maintain and improve facilities across the ACT.</em></li> <li><em>Examine insurance costs for small and medium-sized businesses.</em></li> <li><em>Collaborate with creative communities and music venue managers to implement effective night-time economy support measures, co-designed with the sector.</em></li> <li><em>Provide for the introduction of a Private Members Bill establishing a Future Generations Act, which would carry forward a community-led vision for the Canberra we want for generations to come. The Bill will be referred for inquiry before being considered by the Assembly.</em></li> <li><em>Support various administrative arrangements to ensure Mr Emerson’s effectiveness as an independent member, including with respect to consultation, committee membership, staffing and briefings.</em></li> </ol> <p>The agreement will be reviewed annually.</p> <p>https://citynews.com.au/2024/obstinate-labor-pushes-greens-to-the-cross-bench/</p> <p> </p> </body>