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.

Emerson said he wanted to see the formation of a stable government and would remain on the crossbench.

“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.

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.

“This agreement will ensure action is taken in areas where it’s desperately needed,” said Mr Emerson.

“Everyone should have a safe place to sleep in our city.

“Young people should have a future they can feel excited about here.

“Canberra should be a place where we commit to tackling disadvantage and ensuring everyone can thrive, regardless of income, age or background.

“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.”

The agreement is here and includes commitments to:

1. Increase the proportion of social housing dwellings in the ACT.
2. Improve support for vulnerable community members by ensuring community sector funding accounts for growth in population, salaries in the sector and complexity of need.
3. Examine new methods to reduce elective surgery wait times.
4. Recruit more park rangers to work on environmental conservation and invasive species management.
5. Establish a Strata Commissioner with retirement villages included within its remit.
6. Stand up a comprehensive inquiry, or series of inquiries, into the ACT’s criminal justice system to address high reoffending rates.
7. Deliver a long-term community sport infrastructure plan to maintain and improve facilities across the ACT.
8. Examine insurance costs for small and medium-sized businesses.
9. Collaborate with creative communities and music venue managers to implement effective night-time economy support measures, co-designed with the sector.
10. 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.
11. Support various administrative arrangements to ensure Mr Emerson’s effectiveness as an independent member, including with respect to consultation, committee membership, staffing and briefings.

The agreement will be reviewed annually.

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