The Canberra Liberals have launched a new website aimed at highlighting the ACT Government’s rising debt levels, using the platform to sharpen their criticism of Labor’s budget management.
Opposition Leader Mark Parton and Shadow Treasurer Ed Cocks unveiled ACTDebtWatch.com on Friday, describing it as a public tool to track the Territory’s debt, interest payments and long-term fiscal position.
The website focuses on figures contained in the ACT Budget, including forecasts showing government borrowings reaching $23.7 billion by 2029-30 and interest costs rising to around $2.3 million a day.
Parton said the launch coincided with what the Liberals have dubbed “Labor’s Billion Dollar Interest Day” – a reference to the cumulative amount the Territory is expected to spend servicing debt.
“When Andrew Barr became Treasurer, the Territory’s budget was in a far stronger position,” Mr Parton said.
“After years of bad choices, Canberrans are now being left with the bill.”
The Opposition argues growing debt and interest payments will place increasing pressure on future government spending, affecting services, infrastructure projects and cost-of-living relief measures.
Cocks, who developed the website, said the tracker was designed to make government finances easier for residents to understand.
“For too long, the ACT Government has relied on optimistic forecasts, shifting explanations and promises of future surpluses that never eventuate,” he said.
“Debt is rising, interest costs are rising, and the cost of past decisions is crowding out services and future choices.”
The Opposition has also proposed a Charter of Responsible Budgeting, which it says would strengthen transparency and accountability around government borrowing and spending.
The ACT Government has previously defended its borrowing program, arguing debt-funded investment is necessary to deliver major infrastructure projects and support Canberra’s growing population.
The debt debate has emerged as a key political battleground following the ACT Budget, with Labor arguing its spending plans are needed to maintain services and infrastructure, while the Liberals contend the Territory’s debt trajectory is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
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