Labor pledges $20 million of 'practical projects' for Tuggeranong, and a bus service

Remember how good Kambah adventure was. This has been largely downgraded.

Believe it or not gooterz, that massive adventure playground with all its structures counts as only 1 of the 36 playgrounds in Kambah. There are another 35 scattered throughout the suburb.

Who will you support to form government should neither Labor or the Libs be able to gain a majority in the assembly?

The big question is, that everyone wants to know is, is your party willing to be a minority party in a coalition with either Labor or Liberal after the next election.
I think that the only way you can be credible and relevant is to be a truly centrist party.

So if Barr makes an apology and promises to fix things, you’d support him to remain as Chief Minister? He’s broken dozens if not hundreds of promises to the people of Canberra and is creating such a debt burden that if he’s allowed to add to it, it’s going to crush residents for decades to come. We desperately need a change of government after 23 years and if you have delusions of extending it to 27 years and fixing things by working with Labor & the Greens, then I despair for the people of Tuggeranong should you be elected.

Now we have another IFC candidate whining from the sidelines with how bad Canberra is and putting our city down. A negative campaign, moaning away on social media with their anti-government and anti-just about everything else agenda but very quiet on who they will support should they win the balance of power in this year’s election. A few of these candidates are returning for repeat runs after unsuccessfully standing at previous elections and active in these pages over recent weeks.

IFC candidates were recently criticising Labor’s social policies including the party’s plans to increase nurse run health clinic services despite the popularity of these facilities in reducing pressure on our public hospitals. However, when questioned, IFC refused to reveal whether they would join with the Liberals not to commit to further funding these services.

Also complaining about the government’s free meals programs in our public schools which was promised and welcomed in the last election, again without providing any alternative vision which will go towards helping families who are doing it tough and whether they will commit to the program and join with Labor to expand it.

It was only this week that they were back in these pages, demanding that the CM stand down from his treasury role and pledging if successful after the next election in October with their party holding the balance of power, they will push for changes in our parliament to prevent the same person from being both Chief Minister and Treasurer.

Where would it end?

Thank you for raising these concerns, Jack, I appreciate the chance to address the points you’ve mentioned.

1. Constructive Criticism and Vision:

While our campaign highlights the shortcomings of the current administration, in order to ensure accountability and underscore the need for change, we also aim to present a constructive vision for Canberra’s future. We are committed to holding the government accountable while also proposing meaningful reforms.

For information about our policies, please visit our website: https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/. We will continue to announce our policies in the coming weeks. If you have specific views or suggestions, please share them through our priorities survey: https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/priorities

Regarding candidates returning for another run, I believe that their prior experience is hugely valuable both for the community and for new candidates. Campaigning is a demanding process, and I commend those who persist and continue to contribute.

2. Our stance on social policies

Our approach to healthcare and education initiatives, and to policy-making more generally, is to ensure that programs are effectively meeting community needs and are backed by solid evidence. We thus support the robust evaluation of programs and if elected, we will ensure that priority policies, especially those with mixed or inconclusive evidence, are properly evaluated.

With this in mind, we critiqued the lack of thorough evaluation surrounding ACT nurse-led clinics which has made it impossible to determine their effectiveness. Popularity alone does not guarantee success, and it is crucial to base decisions on evidence. We advocate for evaluating these programs to ensure they meet their intended goals and to ensure that any decisions about their future is based on results and data, as far as possible.

Regarding the free school meals program, we critiqued the delayed implementation, noting that it took the government four years to provide meals to just five schools. This severe delay is insufficient to address the growing disadvantage across Canberra. We stand by this critique and have proposed several ideas to more effectively tackle disadvantage, as detailed in our policy announcements.

3. Calling for accountability measures

Our focus is on achieving proper accountability and transparency, which we firmly believe have been lacking in the ACT. Calling for the Chief Minister to step down from his role as Treasurer aligns with our commitment to effective governance. Andrew Barr promised to relinquish his role as Treasurer after the 2020 election, yet failed to do so. This represents one of many broken promises and is a significant accountability issue. Our request for him to separate these roles is a reasonable measure to ensure proper checks and balances.

We appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns and look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue. Our focus remains on delivering a positive and effective vision for Canberra’s future, driven by transparency, accountability, and community needs.

Thank you again for your engagement with our campaign.

Thanks for your question, Ken! My approach will be similar to David Pocock’s, who chose not to commit to any specific party before the Federal election to remain flexible and responsive to the evolving political landscape. My support will be guided by representing voter perspectives, following the evidence, and addressing community needs.

While this is my overall approach, I do strongly believe that a change in the Chief Minister is necessary. Barr’s position is clearly untenable given the extremely poor policy decisions, long-standing neglect of Tuggeranong, and lack of accountability under his leadership. It’s crucial to hold the leader accountable for failing the community. However, I won’t commit to supporting any particular party—Labor or Liberal—at this time. Doing so, especially while policies are still being announced and with no clear leader emerging due to ongoing leadership failures, would undermine my independence. This independence is essential for me to respond effectively to the evolving needs and preferences of my constituents in Brindabella.

My priority is ensuring the best outcomes for our community, which I believe can be best achieved by maintaining my independence rather than aligning with a particular party months in advance.

Gregg, I appreciate the question and your views. I believe maintaining independence is crucial, much like David Pocock has demonstrated at the Federal level. We’ve seen the challenges that have arisen from the Greens forming a close alliance with Labor in ACT, effectively becoming an extension of the party and contributing to a lack of accountability and to poor policy decisions and outcomes.

Our most likely role—and I believe an extremely important one—would be on the crossbench, holding the government and leadership to account, which is currently lacking.

That said, if voters support independents and minor parties in significant numbers, we could even see a shift away from traditional major party dominance altogether.

Whatever the results, I am committed to working in the most constructive way possible, upholding my independence while prioritising the needs of Brindabella and responding to the evidence.

Garfield, thank you for seeking clarification – I think you’ve misunderstood my comment. I’m very clear that Barr’s leadership is completely untenable, and I thus strongly support a change in the Chief Minister. I agree he cannot remain in this role. My critique also extends to Labor and the Greens due to their role in the significant policy failings and resulting harm; they too must be held accountable.

Even if Barr were to apologise and promise systemic reforms, my stance wouldn’t change. His record of broken promises, complete neglect, mounting debt, and lack of accountability are far too severe to be addressed by last-minute promises or by any actions at this point.

I wholeheartedly agree that we desperately need a change of government and a new direction altogether after 23 years under the current administration. The prolonged period of power, particularly with the continued decline in electorates like Brindabella, and for various community cohorts, is unthinkable and highlights the need for urgent change.

My focus is on driving genuine accountability and reform, not on maintaining the status quo or extending failed alliances. It’s time for change, and I hope voters in Brindabella, and across Canberra, will embrace that path!

What Pocock did was be a thinly veiled greens candidate. Pass.

Thanks Vanessa for your replies. I can only imagine (dream) other candidates or existing members responding to comments on this forum.

How & why are you different to The Greens or Labor?

What policy do you share with The Greens & Labor?

I had a look at your website https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/vanessa and it states that you have ‘evidence-based policy making’ expertise and ‘grassroots activism’ experience.

What does this all mean?

Seems like the case of Purple Green

I have lived in Canberra most of my life Vanessa Picker. Often referred to as “boring” this city has been transformed over the past two decades into a city I am proud to call home. The whingeing against the government and our city in these pages are from the usual suspects under their many guises and is to be expected.

Although unlikely, I have deep concerns at IFC winning government and balance of power. Your anti-government rant and put down of Tuggeranong was unfortunate. Demanding an apology from the CM was beyond the pale. As a candidate running for Tuggeranong it was even worse. The many people I know who live in Tuggeranong are proud to do so and would not live anywhere else. As a past resident, I have seen it transform over the past two decades into the modern and liveable district it is today. Of course improvements can be made, they always can be. The transformation of its town centre into a modern shopping and residential district, CIT, the Tuggeranong arts centre, emergency services, new suburbs, upgrades to the lake foreshore, roads and sports fields are just a few of the changes I have seen. Rather than support Tuggeranong, the Liberals and their local candidates Mark Parton and Nicole Lawder have done everything in their way to obstruct, including the establishment of its CIT and the plans to extend light rail from Woden to Tuggeranong.

It is also disappointing that IFC is joining with the Liberals in refusing to commit to supporting Canberra’s nurse-led walk-in centres and their expansion. These centres offer A 7-day a week network treating non-life-threatening complaints, taking the pressure off our hospitals and provide a free and non-discriminatory health service to all families, not just those who can afford it.

Also disappointing is IFC joining the Liberals in refusing to commit to the government’s free meals program in public schools complaining about the length of time it took to implement. This delay was understandable due to COVID and the logistics of implementing such a program. It is the first program of its type in the country and the government is to be commended for its social conscience and its policies to improve people’s lives.

Jack D,
You forgot the disclaimer again:
*written and authorised by A Barr, ALP Canberra.

Actual residents of Tuggeranong have seen how its been neglected and degraded for the last 20 years because the ALP/Greens focus has been almost wholly directed towards Northern Canberra.

It’s laughable to attempt to put lipstick on a pig because an election is looming.

@Jack D.
What is truly disappointing is your “anything but Labor is not good for ACT constituents” mantra.

Perhaps IFC and other independents haven’t just ‘jumped on board’ “Canberra’s nurse-led walk-in centres and their expansion” and “the government’s free meals program in public schools” because they actually want to investigate the business case and costs/benefits before commiting ACT residents to footing, or continuing to foot, the bill?

I’m hoping that if independents do gain the balance of power in the LA, no matter who forms government, they will actually consider legislation on its merits and not just blindly commit, because people like you spruik it.

It’s chewy again with another predictable comment. A rabid anti-light rail proponent, just the mention of it puts chewy on to another tirade.

I have vivid memories of when the Liberals were last in government in the ACT and the lack of investment from them into our city, schools, infrastructure and hospitals. It is one of the reasons they have never regained government. They were the days when our city was deserving of the title “boring”. Tuggeranong as well, with the party’s abysmal lack of investment into its town centre and foreshore. Now a modern shopping and residential district it is a hundred times better than what it was back when the Liberals were in government.

Our city also had three hospitals back in those days and they blew one of them up. It was disaster after disaster back in those days. The lack of advocacy from the party’s current Tuggeranong representatives Mark Parton and Nicole Lawder is laughable. They did nothing but complain when the CIT was established and when the government expanded emergency services into Tuggeranong and Tharwa. They have also vehemently opposed the extension of light rail from Woden to Tuggeranong despite its popularity. They don’t want the same benefits for their constituents that Gungahlin residents are enjoying.

Yep, the good ol days of Liberal government!

Well if isn’t another partisan rant by Hack D.

Still waiting for you to respond to the factual arguments raised against light rail on the other threads, strange you always go missing when the weakness of your position is laid bare.

But here you are again, completely ignoring the clear failings of the current government to continue your constantly negative tirades about the party that is in opposition.

Just shows the paucity of effort the government pays to Tuggeranong that your lists of achievements, improvements and services provided to Tuggeranong in recent years is so bare.

@Bennett Bennett, thanks for your thoughtful questions which I’ve addressed below!

1. Differences – Greens and Labor:

As an independent, I am not bound by party lines or fixed ideologies, allowing me to prioritise electorate needs over rigid party positions. I share some Greens and Labor values but differ as I will be able to make policy decisions based on effectiveness and community needs rather than party affiliation.

2. Policy Alignment – Labor and Greens:

Here’s some context on my alignment with Labor and Greens policies – (you can also view IFC policies at https://www.independentsforcanberra.com/policy).

• Healthcare: I wholeheartedly support improving the accessibility and quality of medical services, but question the feasibility of grand promises e.g. 800 new doctors. Enhancing access beyond GPs is also important and we must address healthcare worker burnout and evaluate initiatives like free Walk-in Centres.
• Housing: Ambitious promises like building 30,000 homes by 2030 raise feasibility concerns. Some Greens’ proposals, e.g. rental commissioner and a two-year rental freeze, appear more sensible.
• Transport: While light rail projects can be beneficial, I am critical of the ACT approach. Local transport needs, particularly in neglected electorates, should be prioritised.
• Other comments re Greens: I support their focus on healthcare, housing, and environmental issues but have feasibility concerns about proposals like “Build & Buy 10,000 Public Homes.”

3. Evidence-Based Policy Making:

By ‘evidence-based policy-making’ I mean implementing policies underpinned by evidence on ‘what works’—and measuring policies to ensure they’re achieving goals and avoiding harm. With a related PhD and Master’s from Oxford and extensive experience in the UK and Australia, I am committed to proven and tailored policies.

4. Activism:

My activism experience includes things such as advocating for gender equality in cricket, e.g. successfully lobbying for more women’s fixtures at Lord’s, highlighting my dedication to equality and meaningful change.

Vanessa Picker:

– What’s your clear stand on the LR Stage II (and why)?
– What do you think of the idea of staffing the Walk-in Centres with government-employed GPs with bulk-billing for all?
– Would commonsense-based decision making be appropriate here than the managerialist mantra of “evidence-based decision making”?
– Do you have any real-world experience in governance other than spending time in academia?

Your comments Vanessa Pickett and others in your group flip-flopping around on issues has increased my apprehension at IFC winning and holding balance of power. IFC’s anti-government negativity and criticism of social policies may appeal to Liberal and other voters, but in progressive Canberra comes across as a turnoff.

You “wholeheartedly support” improving the accessibility and quality of medical services but criticise free walk-in centres including plans to attract 800 new health professionals (not “doctors” as you claim). As a patient in the health care system over the past two years, I welcome these efforts. The health minister was recently in the media spruiking efforts in attracting staff which included national and international advertising campaigns attracting 400 new nurses, specialists and other health care professionals in the past two years.

You disapprove the government’s promises to build 30,000 new homes by 2030, supporting a two-year rental freeze on rental properties. This reckless proposal will potentially scare investors out of the market and increase rental demand.

You disapprove the government’s build-to-rent-to-buy housing program (not “Build & Buy” as you stated). This program is a joint venture which supports women (and their children) facing rental stress or risk of homelessness. Although I welcome this project, I have concerns that the project is being managed by Yvette Berry. First announced in 2023, the first roll-out of 17 homes in Strathnairn occurred just recently. A suburb that has nil amenities including public transport, schools, shops or sporting facilities. There are also the large numbers of empty public housing properties around Canberra, particularly the inner north. This has been criticised by public housing advocates and in the media including these pages.

I look forward to Labor being re-elected this year and Ms Berry lifting her game!

The funny part is, it seems to work, and the dopes keep voting to fund the inner North while getting nothing themselves.