In 2020, Canberrans made history by electing a record number of Greens to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
That election ignited a powerful new chapter for the ACT Greens, giving us an opportunity to show Canberrans what's possible when you put more Greens in the balance of power to push for transformative change.
While some candidates in this election might try to downplay our incredible progress over the past four years, I think it's about time we had a candid conversation about both the real change we've secured, and how by electing Greens for another term, we can push for even better and bigger change.
After the 2020 election, we saw Canberrans' overwhelming support for the ACT Greens as a clear call to action-they wanted us in the game, not just on the sidelines. They were ready for, if not expecting, progressive representatives who would roll up their sleeves, take on responsibilities, and get the job done.
Following much thought and consideration, we decided to take on this call from the community-and took on the responsibility of three ministries, recognising that negotiating with Labor would be a difficult task, but one we knew we were up to.
I mean-just four years ago, ACT Labor dismissed our idea to ban new gas connections during a climate crisis as a "crazy Greens idea." Fast forward a little over a year, and that very idea became official government policy-thanks to the Greens making sure we held the portfolios to get the change across the line.
Even more, over the past four years Greens Ministers have been at the forefront of groundbreaking change: securing nation-leading renters' rights, launching Australia's first developer accountability scheme, investing record funds in environmental groups, and raising the age of criminal responsibility to fourteen-just to name a few.
In a housing crisis, a cost of living crisis and a climate crisis, we need progressive thought leaders and change makers who will bring courage and ambition to these challenges. The Greens are the only people proactively doing this, and bringing the leadership we're known for on climate and the environment to housing, health, transport and education.
The Liberal Party is falling back on tired tactics, ignoring the community's real needs. Even their housing plans are so poorly thought out and unrealistic that they would build homes in Canberra that are denser than in Hong Kong.
Labor has long followed the Greens' lead on climate and the environment, and it's clear nationally that people want more than Labor is offering on housing, health and transport.
When it comes to the views of independent candidates, we've heard a lot of "vibes" but a frustrating lack of detail and not enough concrete strategy to back their promises. Many conservative independents talk about slashing government spending, but how can they possibly tackle the housing waitlist without significant investment-investment they likely won't support?
As leader of the ACT Greens, I'm unapologetically ambitious this election. Elections should be about presenting a clear vision and daring to offer solutions to make a better world. I'm proud that our team have long been the change-makers in the ACT and we're continuing to push further, faster toward making Canberra fairer.
Our vision for Canberra is clear, and we have the experience to make it happen. We're committed to building enough affordable public homes to make them available to essential workers, making the government take the helm in providing free visits to the doctor, and expanding free early education for young kids.
So, this election I want Canberrans to ask themselves: in a housing crisis, a cost of living crisis, and a climate crisis, do you want tweaks around the edges, stones thrown from the sidelines, or do you want change makers with ambition, detailed plans, and a proven record of achieving real progress for the community?
You can imagine what I'll be choosing - I'll be voting Green on October 19 and I hope you're inspired to do the same.
