Independents for Canberra Kurrajong MLA elect Thomas Emerson has ruled out a coalition with Labor. Photo: Supplied.
The first independents to be elected in the ACT since 2004 are today considering their options as they prepare to play a pivotal role in a new-look Legislative Assembly.
Independents for Canberra (IFC) candidate Thomas Emerson was successfully elected to the seat of Kurrajong, while independent Fiona Carrick won in Murrumbidgee, after narrowly missing out on gaining a place at the 2020 election.
Labor is certain to win 10 seats, the Liberals eight, the Greens two and independents two. There are three seats in doubt in the 25-member assembly, with the Liberals, Labor, Greens and independents all in the hunt for at least one of them.
The Canberra Liberals have conceded they are not in a position to form a coalition government, while Labor chief minister Andrew Barr says he is looking forward to working with the “five progressive” members of the crossbench as he looks to extent his party’s stay in government to a record 27 years.
Mr Emerson has ruled out forming a coalition government with Labor but says he will negotiate with them on confidence and supply – supporting Labor on key bills that authorise the spending of money to ensure stable government.
Ms Carrick says she won’t rule anything out at this stage.
“We’ll have to wait and see how final vote is … but I’m open and enthusiastic to talk to anyone,” she says.
Fiona Carrick has been elected after an eight-year fight. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Emerson says there’s still a chance he won’t be the only IFC representative in the LA.
“We think there is a possibility for David Pollard [in Yerrabi] and Vanessa Picker [in Brindabella] is more of an outside chance,” he says.
If Mr Pollard is successful in Yerrabi, he will edge out the Greens’ Andrew Braddock for the final seat. That could leave the Greens with just two seats overall, meaning Labor and Greens combined would have 12 seats – one short of a majority and leaving Labor needing to negotiate with at least one independent.
On the other hand, the Greens are still a chance of holding their seat in Brindabella, which could give them as many as four seats – a safe majority with Labor that reduces the need for independents to be part of government.
Both Mr Emerson and Ms Carrick say wherever the final count lies, it’s been an historic achievement for independents.
“It’s been a remarkable campaign. It’s incredible, people have put their hands up as candidates, none of us knew each other nine months ago, people have put their faith in us and said we want to have a full say in our democracy,” Mr Emerson says.
Ms Carrick says her election was the culmination of eight years of work from a host of volunteers.
“Thanks to all my supporters for all their efforts and we will continue to grow our people-powered community movements. I look forward to continuing to catch up with them for Friday night Flash Mob dinners. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she says.
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