ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton dismisses power grab rumors with Greens | Region Canberra
ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton has been actively seeking "cross-party collaboration opportunities" as part of his leadership role. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
The ACT Greens and Canberra Liberals have refuted speculation that they were conspiring to overthrow the Barr Government and form a power-sharing arrangement, which would have made Shane Rattenbury the ACT's inaugural Green chief minister.
A reliable source close to the Canberra Liberals informed Region that the two parties had been in discussions about potentially initiating a vote of no confidence in the Barr Government and forming their own power-sharing deal.
The source revealed that the parties were contemplating holding a vote of no confidence in the Legislative Assembly during the first week of February.
The rationale behind this extraordinary move, according to the source, was the ACT's perceived "fiscal emergency".
However, the source cautioned that this plan would be a "mistake" due to the involvement of giving the Greens Leader the chief ministership.
The source did not provide further details on how the spoils would be divided or the operational mechanics of such an arrangement, given the parties' ideological and policy disparities.
The proposal was described as a "government shortcut" that could potentially drive a segment of the Liberal Party towards the right-wing alternative, One Nation.
Former leader Elizabeth Lee engaged in talks with the Greens after the election in October, but their demands were deemed too substantial to reach a deal that would secure their support for a Liberal government.
This willingness to negotiate seriously might have also contributed to her losing the leadership to Leanne Castley.
The source indicated that the recent talks were "significant" and that the Greens were briefed on their progress last Wednesday (January 14).
A Greens spokesperson denied any such deal, acknowledging that the two parties had been in communication but declining to answer specific questions about whether a vote of no confidence or power-sharing had been discussed.
The Greens had engaged in "policy discussions" with Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton over the summer to explore potential areas of collaboration, the spokesperson stated.
The speculation centered around the possibility of Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury becoming the chief minister.
Mr. Parton refuted the speculation regarding the formation of a government with the ACT Greens, including claims about approaches, meetings, policy discussions, or negotiations over cabinet arrangements.
"As the new Opposition Leader, I have been exploring options and opportunities for cross-party collaboration to achieve better outcomes in the Assembly," he stated.
"It is prudent to invest time in developing a constructive relationship with the crossbench, the Government, and the Independents, but the Liberals' priority remains holding the government to account while offering a credible alternative to this tired old Labor administration."
The Greens spokesperson suggested that a new Canberra Liberals leader could present new opportunities for achieving results.
Holding the balance of power in the Assembly meant the Greens could collaborate with Labor or the Liberals on a case-by-case basis to pass or block any legislation that comes before the parliament.
"Having options and different avenues to exert pressure and get things done is beneficial," the spokesperson remarked.
"The Greens are committed to ensuring the ACT's public services, policies, and supports are of the highest caliber. Our role is to work across the Assembly to achieve the best possible outcomes for Canberrans, and that's what we've consistently done and will continue to do."
ACT Labor stated that they had not been informed by the Greens or the Liberals about a potential no-confidence motion in the Chief Minister.
"The advice we have received from the Greens is that there is no agreement to a no-confidence motion," a spokesperson confirmed.
"This aligns with our supply and confidence agreement to deliver stable and effective government for this parliamentary term and the Greens' pledge to work constructively with ACT Labor and other Assembly Members."
The agreement with the Greens clearly stipulated that opposition to a specific bill, budget item, motion, or parliamentary initiative did not equate to a lack of confidence in the Chief Minister or a Minister.
"Labor respects this clarity and understands that, in addition to regularly engaging with us, the Greens will also communicate with the Liberals and Independents over policy issues," the spokesperson added.
"We continue to engage positively with the Greens on the implementation of our parliamentary agreement over this four-year term."
However, it is understood that Labor would view it as a betrayal of progressive voters if a government with effective Liberal Party control were installed, and they believe that changing governments without an election is highly divisive and inconsistent with Australian values.
Any power-sharing deal would require the support of Greens members.
