ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has welcomed the election of an Albanese Labor Government, calling it “a big result for Canberra”.
“It will result in a Commonwealth Government working in partnership with the ACT Government to ensure that Canberrans get their fair share,” Mr Barr said.
“It will result in a government that values public healthcare, public education, support for the most vulnerable, and action on climate change.
“It will result in a government that will respect and value the role of the Australian Public Service.”
At present count, Senator Katy Gallagher has been returned with 33.2 per cent of the primary vote, but a 6.16 per cent swing against her.
According to the most recent results, Dr Andrew Leigh, Labor MP for Fenner, was re-elected for his fifth term, with (at time of writing) 66.1 per cent of the vote (48.8 per cent first preference), and a 5.6 swing to the ALP (3.9 per cent swing first preference).
Alicia Payne, MP for Canberra, was re-elected for her second term, with 59.9 per cent of the vote (44.8 per cent first preference), but an 8.4 per cent swing from Labor (4.3 per cent swing to Labor first preference).
David Smith, Labor MP for Bean, has won his second term, with 63.2 per cent of the vote (42.1 per cent first preference), and a 5.5 swing to the ALP (4 per cent swing first preference).
“Canberrans have again shown their support for Labor and progressive candidates,” Mr Barr said.
He noted that Independent Senate candidate David Pocock was “well placed in the race to secure the second Senate spot in the ACT”.
Currently, Mr Pocock has 22.1 per cent of the vote, and incumbent Zed Seselja (Liberal) has 23.4 per cent of the vote. Preferences could push Mr Pocock to victory, making him the ACT’s first senator from a minor party.
“The strong vote for ACT Labor in this election is recognition of the party’s work in standing up for Canberrans, and standing up for our city,” Mr Barr said. “Labor’s 45 per cent primary vote in the ACT was the highest of all states and territories, and the strongest vote for any party in any jurisdiction across the nation.”
Mr Barr said he looked forward to working closely with his federal colleagues on the commitments the Labor Party took to this election.
This includes:
- An urgent care clinic on the Southside
- The revitalisation of the AIS Arena and precinct
- Support for the delivery of Stage 2A of Light Rail
- Local infrastructure upgrades including the youth foyer at CIT Woden, upgrades to Gorman House, Weston Creek tennis club, and the construction of the garden city cycleway
The ACT Government would work with the Albanese Government “to address many of the issues that Canberrans have raised over the past decade that require Territory and Federal Government collaboration”, Mr Barr said.
This includes:
- The restoration of Territory Rights to allow the ACT to consider legislation for voluntary assisted dying
- Faster action on climate change through a consistent national energy policy
- Increasing social and affordable housing in the ACT
- An end to the disproportionate decentralisation of the Australian Public Service from the nation’s capital for political purposes
- A commitment to properly fund all National Institutions in the ACT and across Australia
“Over the next term of Federal Government, we will see a new approach to Commonwealth-Territory relations, one built on jointly supporting Canberrans,” Mr Barr said.
Kristy McBain was re-elected in Eden-Monaro, with 59.2 per cent of the vote (43.4 per cent primary vote) and an 8.4 swing to Labor (4.2 per cent swing primary vote).
“I look forward to working with her to strengthen the Canberra region,” Mr Barr said. “The Canberra-Sydney rail line, freight access to Canberra airport, and Monaro and Barton Highway improvements will all be priority projects.
“The election of progressive candidates across the country, who all stood on a platform of strong action on climate change, is a positive sign for the future of our nation. Over the past decade, State and Territory Governments have been doing the heavy lifting in moving the nation to a zero net emissions future.
“It’s now time to put the politics of climate change behind us.
“Canberra has voted for change. Australia has voted for change.”
Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee thanked former Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his “service to our great country through an incredibly challenging period”.
“A very difficult night tonight for the Liberal Party of Australia,” Ms Lee wrote on Facebook. “I am devastated to see many hardworking and valuable Liberals – including friends – not returned. Congratulations to Anthony Albanese and the Labor team.
“In the ACT, we won’t know the Senate result for some time yet, but whatever the result, thank you to all the Liberals who poured blood, sweat, and tears into this campaign.”
