“On financial responsibility, improving health, ensuring better education, maintaining basics such as roads, housing and ensuring better standards of living, the Labor-Greens government has not fared well,” writes political columnist MICHAEL MOORE.

“Oppositions don’t win elections – governments lose them” according to an old political truism. Voters have power. If a government has not done a good enough job – don’t put a vote or a following preference against the names of their candidates. Leave those squares blank.

Although they sing their own praises about spending your money, just how well has the Labor-Greens coalition gone on the big-ticket items? Forget about what they have spent. Consider how well they have done on outcomes. 

On financial responsibility, improving health, ensuring better education, maintaining basics such as roads, housing and ensuring better standards of living, the Labor-Greens government has not fared well.

There may be specific government MLAs whose actions deserve a vote – but for the others, leave the square next to their name without a number. 

In 2023 the Chief Minister and Treasurer, Andrew Barr, remained resolute in reassuring everyone the ACT was in a strong financial position. Standard & Poors did not agree, and for the first time since self-government, the AAA+ credit rating was cut. The ACT continues to live beyond its means. 

The problem is a failure to control spending. Canberrans know about constant increases in revenue, especially on things such as rates and land taxes. When Labor came to government there was revenue of $2.2 billion. The ACT is now expected to have revenue more than $7.5 billion!

Taxes are not reducing. The current budget papers state: “The 2023-24 Budget contains a package of carefully sequenced tax measures”. For people struggling with increasing interest rates and higher payments on their home mortgages, these constant tax increases have been particularly challenging.

Have the increased taxes delivered better health and education outcomes? The government will spruik all your money spent on infrastructure such as schools and hospital buildings. However, I repeat, the real test is about outcomes.

Our public health and hospital system was once rated amongst the highest in Australia. Then Labor came to power. On so many measures, our hospitals are now rated amongst the lowest achievers in Australia. Excuses about covid, financial challenges, shortages of staff are not valid excuses. They face all jurisdictions.

New schools and extending buildings in current schools are important, but they do not measure educational outcomes. When the National Assessment Plan (NAPLAN) results indicate the ACT falling further and further behind other jurisdictions, it is impossible to give the government a good mark on education.

The grass is being mowed regularly, the leaves in streets with deciduous trees are being efficiently removed. The rubbish, recycling and green bins have been regularly emptied on time. It is a great start. Canberrans will all reflect on the state of our roads and general maintenance.

Transport remains a vital issue

Transport remains a vital issue. Labor and the Greens are absolutely committed to the extraordinary expenditure on extending the route of the tram. At this stage Belconnen misses out, Molonglo misses out, Tuggeranong misses out. Even so, those living in these areas are feeling the pressure of paying for such an expensive form of infrastructure.

The tram has worked well for those living in Gungahlin. Perhaps it will work well as an extension to Woden. At what cost? What were the alternatives? There are now so many national and international examples of successful battery-electric buses running in dedicated lanes at a much lower cost. Was the decision evidence based or ideological?

The ever increasing ideological restrictions on cars and parking are designed to switch people to public transport and away from fossil fuel guzzlers. However, although the advent of electric cars and the huge increase in rooftop solar has been changing the debate significantly, the majority are still in need of their cars most days. 

The challenge for voters is recognising when ideology trumps growing evidence. Is this what is wanted in the next government?

The elephant in the room is the alternative. There are so many indications that the Liberals are not ready for government in the ACT. Will they undo all the progressive achievements since self-government? Is it worth giving them a go… at least for four years?

What about independents? Federally, they have performed very well. ACT senator David Pocock is a great example. This can also happen in the ACT. There may never be enough to form a government. It is time to consider independents as an alternative vote.

Whoever winds up in government, there will need to be a strong crossbench that uses the Assembly to provide appropriate checks and balances.