“There will be ideological differences between the Liberals, the Greens and the independents. What should be the focus of these MLAs is to find the common ground and to work together in the interest of Canberrans,” writes political columnist MICHAEL MOORE.

Rumours abound about the Liberals and Greens moving to a closer relationship.

Under Mark Parton’s leadership, the days of Liberals thinking “Greens = lefty socialist” needs to be put in the bin. Similarly, under the pragmatic leadership of Shane Rattenbury, the notion of Canberra Liberals as “right-wing fascists” also ought to be discarded. 

The challenge for both parties is to find something in common. The most obvious commonality is thinking about the best interests of the people of Canberra.

At the same time, the elected MLAs do have a responsibility to deliver on the platforms that were prepared by them and their parties before the last election. However, election platforms are based on conveying differences – a key element to winning votes. It is now time to compare philosophy, consider the principles and investigate where compromise can be reached.

Within weeks of Parton being elected as Leader of the Canberra Liberals in the Assembly, a joint motion had been passed when they put aside ideological differences with the Greens and combined to establish a Financial Review Committee. The state of the ACT finances, having been twice downgraded by Standard and Poors, is a concern for all MLAs.

Greens leader Rattenbury has been a government minister. He understands the importance of appropriate budgeting. Fiscal discipline is critical if a government is to deliver on what is needed for a better Canberra. The Liberals pride themselves on fiscal responsibility. 

On financial management there are no ideological differences. Determining the best way to spend money in the best interests of the people of Canberra will require thoughtful, respectful discussion followed by vigorous action in the Assembly. Action that ought to be co-ordinated between the Greens, the Liberals and the independents.

Managing the budget is the highest priority in challenging the government. Chris Steel has been a minister since 2018 when he was given the City Services portfolio. In November 2024 he was appointed as ACT Treasurer. With his background as a minister covering many portfolios, he ought to have been able to deliver a sensible budget. 

The first budget in an electoral period is the time to take strident action and rein in spending. This was not done. To do this required a tough, but necessary call, made all the tougher as his predecessor as Treasurer was the Chief Minister, Andrew Barr. The tribulations of the ACT finances have come about following the management of Treasury by Andrew Barr since July 2011.

Although the budget ought to be the first cab off the rank, effective management of Canberra’s service delivery areas is a responsibility of every MLA. 

The deterioration of our public education system, compared to the other states and territories, should be a matter of serious concern for all our elected members. Considering the socio-economic advantage of Canberrans – the ACT should be a national leader rather than wallowing amongst the poorest performers.

Health presents a similar challenge. On so many measures, the ACT has fallen behind equivalent hospital systems across Australia. Trouble in one area of the hospital system is of concern. However, considering the recent troubles in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and anaesthesia, there is no doubt that there are systemic issues. 

The reality is that the Labor government has dropped the bundle when it comes to management of the two areas of greatest expenditure in the ACT. Appropriate financing is important. However, management is a key issue, as has been raised by those specialists who have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction as they tendered their resignations. 

Canberrans expect to have a five-star hospital system. Instead, we hear of patients’ health being put at risk through poor management. The report on obstetrics that puts training of new specialists at risk, and that found registrars are being forced to operate beyond their area of expertise. These are of considerable concern.

Whatever action can be taken by the non-government MLAs to improve the lot of Canberrans should be welcomed by the community. At the very least we ought to be seeing motions that hold the government to account. 

Of course there will be ideological differences between the Liberals, the Greens and the independents. What should be the focus of these MLAs is to find the common ground and to work together in the interest of Canberrans.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.