ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury will today cast his vote in the ACT Election, and has encouraged Canberra voters to make this election a turning point in the cost-of-living crisis. 

“We are in a cost-of-living crisis that has been created by poor political decisions from the two old parties, and we cannot leave it to them to fix the problem,” Mr Rattenbury said. 

“Nothing changes if nothing changes, and it has never been more clear that the Liberals and Labor simply do not have the courage or ambition to take real action on the challenges that Canberrans are facing. 

“The Greens don’t have vested interests holding us back; we are a people-powered movement with a clear vision for the ACT. 

“Overwhelmingly, we are hearing from Canberrans that there aren’t enough homes that people can afford to rent, they can’t afford to see the doctor, and they are worried about the impacts of climate change. 

“Now, more than ever, it’s time to make your vote count and look to the only party that has a bold vision to make our beautiful city the best place it can be, for everyone. And that party is the Greens. 

“The Greens are the only party with a plan to not only ease the immediate pressures of the cost-of-living squeeze, the housing crisis and the climate emergency, but address the systemic issues that will otherwise continue to deepen the problem. 

“We will build 10,000 public homes that people can afford to live in, including a new suburb at the racecourse site. 

“We will create four new bulk-billing GP clinics to provide 160,000 more free visits to the doctor each year. 

“We will build light rail sooner and create a turn-up-and-go bus system that you don’t have to plan your day around. 

“We will continue pushing further, faster to reach net zero emissions, while we ensure a fair transition to prepare our city and homes for the already changing climate.  

“The Greens are here to change the system and improve people’s everyday lives. We hear Canberrans when they say the government needs fresh energy and fresh ideas.

“The Greens present a strong, progressive alternative to take on the big challenges facing our community. 

“When Canberrans head to the polls tomorrow, I urge you to take this opportunity to make this election a turning point in the cost of living crisis. 

“We can fix these problems, all you have to do is vote for it.”  

ACT Greens deputy leader Rebecca Vassarotti said that young people in particular are looking for a party with a bold vision to address the cost-of-living crisis. 

“Right now in Canberra, young people are struggling to afford rent, put food on the table, and access a free visit to the doctor when they need it most,” said Ms Vassarotti. 

“To make matters even worse, they’re staring down the barrel of a climate crisis which, without urgent action, will only make these issues much worse.

“Here in the seat of Kurrajong, we have the largest community of young people in Canberra, from university students, to graduates and those who have moved to Canberra to start their professional life.

“Last election, Canberrans made history by electing two Greens to this seat in the heart of Canberra. This time, young people have the opportunity to be the driving force to keep those seats and push for real and impactful action to address the cost-of-living.

“In a climate crisis, a cost-of-living crisis and a housing crisis, we need progressive thought leaders and change makers who dare to bring new and bold ideas to tackle issues head on.

“This election, the ACT Greens are the only people doing this, and bringing the leadership we’re known for on climate and the environment to housing, health, transport and education. 

“Already over this term, we’ve taken the climate emergency seriously by moving to phase out gas, and fought for the people most hard done by in the cost-of-living crisis by securing record funding for homelessness services and raising the age of criminal responsibility.

“Now, we’re committed to building enough affordable public homes to make them available to young people working in essential services, making the government take the helm in providing free visits to the doctor, and expanding free early education for young kids.

“To the young people of Canberra, I want to say: we see you and we hear you, and we know how tough it is. That’s why this election, the ACT Greens are unapologetically ambitious; because we know your futures are going to depend on it.”