The political landscape in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has been buzzing with speculation over a potential coalition between the Greens and the Liberals, challenging the long-standing dominance of the Labor government. However, this intriguing idea has been shelved for the moment. During a meeting on Thursday night, members of the Greens party decisively rejected the notion of a formal alliance with the Liberals.
This development follows a year-and-a-half-long journey that began with a bold proposal by then-Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee. After the 2024 election, Lee approached Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury to explore potential common ground between the two parties. Despite initial resistance from within her own party, particularly from the right-wing faction, Lee’s initiative planted the seeds of an unprecedented political experiment.
Historical Context and Political Dynamics
Understanding the willingness of both parties to entertain such an idea requires a look back at the political shifts within the ACT. By January 2026, the Liberals had seen another leadership change, with moderate Mark Parton taking the helm. Both Parton and Rattenbury identified shared concerns about the ACT government’s perceived inefficiencies in addressing local issues, ranging from public amenities to healthcare services.
The rationale for a coalition, therefore, seemed logical to some party elders. Former ACT Liberal senator Gary Humphries expressed on ABC Radio Canberra that while a coalition might appear “crazy” at first glance, it was a necessary consideration given the Liberals’ prolonged period in opposition.
“Other parties are rising; independents … Greens, One Nation, all sorts of other parties. Which means that for governments to be formed in the future, they’re going to have to be on a different basis, on a more flexible arrangement,” Humphries stated.
Expert Opinions and Political Reactions
Support for the coalition concept also came from former federal Greens leader Bob Brown, who praised Rattenbury’s political maturity. Brown emphasized the importance of cross-party dialogue to better serve constituents, criticizing the far-right’s opposition to even discussing a potential alliance.
“That’s so anti-democratic, so short of the mark in a country where we all should be talking with each other,” Brown remarked. “That’s part of the democratic responsibility that you have, is to talk with everybody in terms of trying to form the best government possible for the future for the electorate that puts you there.”
However, the idea of a Greens-Liberals coalition raises a critical question: is this what Canberra’s electorate desires? Traditionally, Greens voters have favored Labor over the Liberals, and vice versa. This historical voting pattern suggests that a coalition between these two parties might be unpalatable to their respective bases.
Implications for the ACT’s Political Future
While the idea of a coalition has been put on hold, it highlights the evolving nature of political alliances in the ACT. The territory’s unique political system, distinct from federal or state trends, could potentially accommodate such an unconventional partnership, though it would be unprecedented.
Those opposed to the coalition might argue that just because something is possible doesn’t mean it should be pursued. Conversely, proponents of the idea might argue that political landscapes are changing, and adaptation is essential for survival.
“Adapt, or die,” as the saying goes, encapsulating the essence of this political discourse.
As Canberra’s political scene continues to evolve, the prospect of a Greens-Liberals coalition remains a topic of interest. Whether this idea resurfaces in the future or not, it has already sparked a significant conversation about the nature of governance and the potential for new political paradigms in the ACT.
