Affirmative consent panel tomorrow
A free public panel discussion on affirmative consent will be held tomorrow at the University of Canberra Refectory at 3:30pm.
Facilitated by Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, the event will feature Tiffany Karlsson (Canberra Rape Crisis Centre), Dr Vik Fraser (A Gender Agenda), and Josh Hewitt (EveryMan Canberra).
Speakers will explore the ACT’s consent laws, barriers to affirmative consent created by social norms, and ways to normalise conversations about consent.
The discussion is part of the ACT Government’s campaign reminding the public that consent must be free, ongoing, and clearly shown in words or actions. For more information, visit www.act.gov.au/consent.
If you are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, specialist services can help: https://www.act.gov.au/community/domestic-family-and-sexual-violence/get-help-now
Carrick warns against ‘town cramming’ in Woden
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick claims that Geocon’s proposed Phillip Pool development breaches planning guidelines.
Geocon’s Woden Pool Project includes 286 apartments (one- to three-bedrooms) and rooftop outdoor entertaining areas, with an indoor public pool facility on the ground level.
Ms Carrick said the proposal oversupplies one-bedroom apartments — 50 per cent, exceeding the maximum 40 per cent allowed — and undersupplies three-bedroom units — 8 per cent, below the 10 per cent minimum. It also exceeds design limits on apartments per floor: 13 apartments per floor, more than double the recommended limit of six.
Ms Carrick questioned Geocon’s claims that the market demands more one-bedroom apartments, saying that local families and downsizers instead looked for two- and three-bedroom houses. “Entry level buyers and investors may be interested in smaller units, but that doesn’t mean we should flood the market with them.”
SQM Research data for August 2025 shows that many apartments in the 2606 postcode (which includes the Woden Town Centre) remain unsold for months: 73 per cent of the 316 properties listed are apartments; 47 per cent sit on the market for more than three months; and 30 per cent are unsold after six months.
Ms Carrick criticised ACT Government planning decisions in Woden, saying that new developments risk prioritising developers over the community. She said the project represents “town cramming, not town planning”, and called for a more balanced and community-focused approach to development based on a holistic town plan.
Ms Carrick sponsored a petition earlier this year to keep the Phillip Pool open.
Geocon has been asked for comment.
Wiliam Hovell Drive duplication
The ACT Government has awarded Canberra Contractors the $107.25 million contract to duplicate 4.5 kilometres of William Hovell Drive between John Gorton and Drake Brockman drives.
Jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments, the upgrade is designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve travel times for thousands of daily commuters between West Belconnen and the city.
Construction is expected to start in November, and to be completed by the end of 2028.
Payroll tax bill referred to committee
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Administration will inquire into the Payroll Tax Amendment Bill 2025.
The Bill would introduce a new payroll tax rate of 8.75 per cent from 1 January 2026, and a split period calculation to apply two rates within the 2025-2026 financial year. The changes apply to employers with Australia-wide wages above $150 million.
The committee is seeking submissions on the Bill. Terms of Reference are available online: Inquiry into Payroll Tax Amendment Bill 2025 – ACT Legislative Assembly.
Submissions close on 12 October.
