The change of Government at the national level has been welcomed by the ACT Government, with an official comment saying the change to the Albanese Labor regime will be ‘” big result for Canberra”.
The Government said the change would result in a Commonwealth Government working in partnership with the ACT to ensure that Canberrans get their fair share.
“It will result in a Government that values public healthcare, public education, support for the most vulnerable and action on climate change.” the statement said.
“It will result in a Government that will respect and value the role of the Australian Public Service.”
The ACT Government said Canberrans have shown their support for change and progressive candidates.
“ACT Labor’s Katy Gallagher, Andrew Leigh, Alicia Payne and David Smith have all been re-elected and Independent David Pocock is well placed,” it said.
“The strong vote for ACT Labor in this election is recognition of the party’s work in standing up for Canberrans, and standing up for our city.
“Labor’s 45% primary vote in the ACT was the highest of all States and Territories and the strongest vote for any party in any jurisdiction across the nation”.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said he looked forward to working closely with his federal colleagues on the delivery of the commitments the new Government took to the election.
Mr Barr said these commitments included revitalisation of the AIS Arena and precinct; Support for the delivery of Stage 2A of Light Rail; Infrastructure upgrades including the youth foyer at CIT Woden; upgrades to Gorman House, Weston Creek tennis club and construction of the garden city cycleway
“We will also work with the Albanese Government to address many of the issues that Canberrans have raised over the past decade that require Territory and Federal Government collaboration,” the Chief Minister said.
He said these included restoration of Territory Rights so the ACT can consider voluntary assisted dying; Faster action on climate change; Increasing social and affordable housing in the ACT; An end to the disproportionate decentralisation of the Australian Public Service from the nation’s capital; and a commitment to properly fund all National Institutions in the ACT and across Australia.
Mr Barr said Canberra voted for change and Australia voted for change too.
“Over the next term of Federal Government, we will see a new approach to Commonwealth-Territory relations, one built on jointly supporting Canberrans,” the Chief Minister said.
