“Many will be critical about the value of what the Greens consider their major achievements over the last two years. However, they certainly have put a strong focus on delivering their election commitments,” says political columnist MICHAEL MOORE. 

IT is two years since the last election and two years to the next (October 24, 2024). In this tenth Assembly what have the MLAs been doing? The efforts of the parties in the Assembly will be examined over the next few weeks starting with the Greens. 

It’s easy to be negative about what our MLAs are doing. Disagreeing with them is part of our democratic process. However, it is also interesting to examine their achievements. Next week the Liberals will have the opportunity to put their best foot forward and then will be followed by Labor.

Greens Justice and Mental Health Minister Emma Davidson told “CityNews”: “The ACT Greens said we would create a better future for Canberra – one that takes care of our beautiful environment, strengthens grassroots participatory democracy, and supports our community to be accessible and inclusive for all”. 

Over the last two years they have focused on the environment but also on justice issues.

Leader Shane Rattenbury has driven a national conversation over the issue of young people in jail. The ACT’s reforms raising the age of criminal consent are leading edge. Other jurisdictions are expected to follow. 

Johnathan Davis is the Greens spokesperson for Drug Harm Reduction and proudly announced the establishment of the first fixed pill-testing site in Canberra.

A mental health drop-in service for people to receive community support when needed was opened in Belconnen. Additionally, the Greens achieved additional funding of $18 million for the homelessness services sector. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders there is now a dedicated support for someone considering suicide or has attempted suicide, and in the community support following a suicide.

Working with Labor in government, action on homelessness included the extension of vital services such as the Early Morning Centre to open seven days a week and the Winter Lodge to a year-round service now called Ainslie Lodge. 

As the Greens minister responsible, Rebecca Vassarotti, said: “Everyone needs a home. Secure housing that meets people’s needs is fundamental to their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our community as a whole.”

Throughout the covid pandemic era additional funding has been provided to the not-for-profit sector to support vulnerable and low-income families. Additionally, the Greens were active in resisting the independent assessments for the NDIS that would disadvantage people with a disability. 

Environment is a fundamental platform for the Greens. They have pushed to phase out fossil gas use by 2045 through the ACT’s “Pathway to Electrification”. This commences with a regulation to prevent new gas connections from next year. Running parallel is the effort to reform the wood-fired heaters replacement scheme so that households can be encouraged to transition away from these devices. Low-income households are specifically supported.

Somewhat more controversial, but not unexpected of the Greens, is the plan to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. They are proud of delivering “the nation-leading ‘ACT Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy 2022-2030’ that includes an electric vehicle sales target of 80-90 per cent by 2030”.

The focus is not limited to climate change. Cat containment areas have been expanded, environmental grants have been increased and the mandatory minimum 7-star energy rating standards have been adopted. This is supplemented by efforts to increase green space and tree canopy on private properties.

Davidson pointed to the work of the Greens’ three crossbenchers: “Andrew Braddock, Johnathan Davis and Jo Clay, hold the ACT government accountable and on track to deliver what our community wants. 

“Jo has passed legislation to assist the police to fine drivers who injure vulnerable road users, like bike riders and pedestrians. Andrew and Johnathan have introduced legislation for the enfranchisement of 16- and 17-year-olds”.

The Greens challenged the expenditure of $41 million in public funding for horse racing and made sure that the “Memorandum of Understanding” was also made public. At the same time, they secured tri-partisan support for a range of post-covid, long-term community sport strategies.

Many will be critical about the value of what the Greens consider their major achievements over the last two years. However, they certainly have put a strong focus on delivering their election commitments.

Next week’s Mid-term Review looks at the achievements of the Canberra Liberals.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.