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:
- Increase the proportion of social housing dwellings in the ACT.
- Improve support for vulnerable community members by ensuring community sector funding accounts for growth in population, salaries in the sector and complexity of need.
- Examine new methods to reduce elective surgery wait times.
- Recruit more park rangers to work on environmental conservation and invasive species management.
- Establish a Strata Commissioner with retirement villages included within its remit.
- Stand up a comprehensive inquiry, or series of inquiries, into the ACT’s criminal justice system to address high reoffending rates.
- Deliver a long-term community sport infrastructure plan to maintain and improve facilities across the ACT.
- Examine insurance costs for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Collaborate with creative communities and music venue managers to implement effective night-time economy support measures, co-designed with the sector.
- 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.
- 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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