Frustration among the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Greens has reached a boiling point, with party leaders openly criticizing the Labor government. Greens leader Shane Rattenbury accused a Labor minister of being “frankly close to incompetent,” while Deputy Leader Jo Clay suggested that three ministers should be removed from the cabinet. These comments come amid growing tensions between the coalition partners.
The Greens’ criticism also extends to Chief Minister Andrew Barr for allowing Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry to remain in the cabinet, despite her involvement in an Integrity Commission probe two years ago. The four Greens members of the Legislative Assembly faced party members in late January, revealing they had engaged in discussions with the Canberra Liberals about potentially ousting the Labor government.
Allegations of Incompetence and Integrity Concerns
Shane Rattenbury specifically targeted Climate Change Minister Suzanne Orr, criticizing the delayed release of a new ACT climate change strategy for public consultation. His remarks were made before the strategy’s draft release, and the Greens have not directly responded to inquiries about whether Rattenbury stands by his comments.
People familiar with the January meeting reported that Greens MLAs accused Labor of misleading the public about the budget’s state before the 2024 election, particularly regarding a blowout in the health system. Jo Clay expressed concerns about external influences on ministerial decisions, citing interventions from developers and the horse racing industry.
“Labor has masked a blowout in the health system, and successful interventions from developers and the horse racing industry to affect ministers’ decisions have been worrying,” said Jo Clay.
Ongoing Integrity Commission Probe
Yvette Berry’s continued presence in the cabinet has been a point of contention. She was a witness in a corruption probe involving her former chief of staff’s handling of a school expansion tender. Despite this, Berry has remained in her position, a decision that Rattenbury has publicly questioned.
The Canberra Times sought clarification from the ACT Greens about their stance on Berry’s cabinet role before and after the 2024 election. A party spokesperson did not provide a direct answer but emphasized the challenge of holding Labor accountable while ensuring effective governance for Canberrans.
“It was clearly important in the context of the discussion that the MLAs briefed members,” the spokesperson said, highlighting the balance between accountability and governance.
Historical Context and Political Dynamics
The ACT Greens have a history of collaboration with Labor, having sat in the cabinet from 2012 to 2024. However, after the 2024 election, they opted for a supply and confidence agreement rather than rejoining the cabinet. The Greens have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Labor’s handling of post-election negotiations, accusing them of withholding budget information and failing to commit to key Greens initiatives.
In response to questions about funding, the Greens criticized Labor’s lack of advocacy for the ACT at the federal level and their passive approach to funding opportunities such as the Housing Australia Future Fund.
“We are frustrated with Labor’s seeming lack of fervour in advocating for the ACT to their federal counterparts,” the party spokesperson noted.
Looking Ahead: Implications and Future Steps
The tensions between the ACT Greens and Labor highlight the complexities of coalition politics, particularly when integrity and competence are called into question. As the Greens continue to hold Labor to account, the stability of the government remains a critical concern for Canberra residents.
Moving forward, the ACT Greens face the challenge of balancing their role as a watchdog with the need to maintain a functioning government. The political landscape in the ACT could see further shifts as both parties navigate these tensions and work towards addressing the concerns raised by the Greens.
