In Australia, ACT Greens end agreement to support Labor government
In Australia, the ACT Greens have ended their agreement to support the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Labor government in key votes until the end of the parliamentary term. Party leader Jo Clay said the decision was made by all four ACT Greens members in the ACT Legislative Assembly after consultations with party members.
Clay informed ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr on Wednesday about ending the working relationship. As ABC News Australia reports, the Greens explained this by the breakdown of negotiations on issues that are priorities for the party.
ACT Greens' grievances
According to Clay, during negotiations that began in early August, the party sought to achieve concrete results for Canberra residents, the climate and the environment. Its priorities included public housing, stronger protections for tenants, protection of the Western Edge area and proper funding for community services, including libraries.
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Clay said the ACT Greens did not receive commitments from the government with specific deadlines. She also mentioned the cancellation of the ice rink in Tuggeranong, proposals for teachers' pay below inflation and cuts to library opening hours.
Budget support
Despite ending the agreement, the ACT Greens are ready to support the passage of the future budget in the Legislative Assembly. Clay said that during budget negotiations, the party secured important concessions, including the non-return of the health levy and increased funding for the public sector.
After the 2024 election, the ACT Greens did not renew their coalition with Labor, but agreed to support the minority government in key votes. According to Clay, the government will now have to seek support in parliament separately on each issue. She also noted that the party is not currently considering forming a government with the Liberals.
