The ACT Greens say leadership matters and come the October 19 election, the other parties will not lead the territory out of the “real problems we all face”.

“Progressive voters looking for change could elect a Greens-led government in the ACT, blowing open political possibilities in Canberra and around Australia,” said ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury.

“Just two more seats would see the Greens on par with the Liberals and Labor, at which point, anything is possible.

“We have the experience and we are ready to lead a fresh, new, progressive government in the ACT. It’s absolutely possible, if you vote for it.”

He said Canberrans were despairing over the housing, climate and cost-of-living crises and knew the system is stacked against them.

“Across Australia, we can all see Labor and the Liberals standing by while vested interests like the banks, big supermarkets, developers and gambling industries profit from community pain.

“Canberra is the most progressive jurisdiction in the country but our community is still hurting like everyone else. Nothing will change if every election is a contest between the two old parties that created this mess.

“The Greens are a real alternative for people in Canberra. We have more experience in government than the Liberals and more courage and ambition than Labor.

“We don’t have vested interests holding us back – we’re a people-powered movement with a clear vision for the ACT.

“Labor has spent this campaign announcing their plans to stick with business as usual, and that’s not going to cut it. We need to fundamentally change the way we provide housing in the ACT and the Greens are the only party prepared to do it.”

He said the Greens weren’t just there to coax Labor to do the right thing.

“We’re here to change the system and improve people’s everyday lives. We hear Canberrans when they say the government needs fresh energy and fresh ideas,” Rattenbury said.