Economist Dr Andrew Leigh (Labor) was re-elected as member for Fenner for his fifth term. According to the latest count, Dr Leigh received 65.9 per cent of the votes (48.6 per cent first preference), with a 5.3 swing to Labor. He spoke to Canberra Daily about the election.
Congratulations on your election to your fifth term. How does that feel?
It’s always humbling to be elected to represent your local community. I love Canberra, and feel lucky every day to have the chance to serve in federal parliament. On the morning after the election, we had a half-marathon around Lake Burley Griffin. It was one of those magical Canberra mornings – crisp and clear, and everyone seemed to be smiling. That sense of joy and possibility, wrapped in one of the world’s most beautiful natural settings, summed up Canberra for me.
How confident were you Labor would be elected?
After 2019, I smashed my crystal ball, and was nervous to the end.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has compared Anthony Albanese’s victory to Gough Whitlam’s historic 1972 victory, beginning a new era of progressive politics. Would you agree?
Around the world, most governments have been re-elected in the wake of the COVID pandemic. So Labor’s election went against the global trend. The far right was walloped, while progressive forces received a strong swing. Australians want change, especially on climate and integrity.
In the last term, Dr Leigh was Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities.
What position do you expect to hold in the new government? With Senator Katy Gallagher as Finance Minister, does this make the ACT Australia’s financial policy powerhouse?
My position will be determined next week, but I’m chuffed to bits to see Katy serving as Canberra’s first Finance Minister.
Now there is a Labor government in power, what do you want to achieve this term? You have often talked about increasing wages to match the cost of living, doubling philanthropic giving, and ending the war on charities; how will you achieve these?
I’ll work with the Labor team on these issues and more. Australia has limitless potential, and I’m keen to work on forging a more egalitarian, connected community.
Otherwise, what do you consider the priorities for the ACT and for Australia?
There are many priorities, but let me flag an urgent one. In the 45th and 46th parliaments, I moved to scrap the 25-year-old ban on territories legislating on voluntary assisted dying. I intend to do the same in this 47th parliament. It’s high time Canberrans had the right to make our own laws on voluntary assisted dying.
Andrew Barr has said a Labor government means more support for the ACT, including a fairer share of infrastructure funding. Can you say more? How will Labor stabilise the APS and reverse Coalition cuts?
An Albanese Labor Government will abolish the arbitrary staffing cap which has impacted on services provided to Australians, eroded public sector capability, reduced job security, and wasted taxpayer funds.
Labor will also reduce wasteful spending on external private labour (contractors, consultants, and labour hire) – which has grown rapidly under the Liberals – by $3 billion over four years.
Labor’s plan includes a strategic reinvestment of nearly $500 million as part of the first phase of rebuilding capability in the public service – including 1,080 new secure frontline service delivery jobs at Services Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the National Disability Insurance Agency, which will improve the delivery of services to Australians.
You have called the Coalition’s government “a decade of waste, rorts, and mismanagement”. How much work do you think will need to be done in the wake of the last nine years?
It’s a huge task. Government has been damaged, and we need to rebuild trust. We’ll implement a national integrity commission, stop the rorts and slush funds, and allocate infrastructure spending where it’s needed. It’s also about the personal integrity of people who serve in government – we need to show every day that we’re worthy of the faith that the Australian people have shown in us. We need to be true to our promises.
The election showed fewer people giving their primary votes to major parties, and more support for independents, Greens, and minor parties. You have said the swings send a message that the community wants change. What lessons can we draw? Should Labor go further on some of its policies (e.g., on climate targets, tax cuts, and welfare payments)?
Labor will deliver on the commitments we took to the election.
Will you continue The Good Life (a podcast about living a happier, healthier, and more ethical life)?
It’s a Good Question. I’m still deciding.
Anything else you wanted to say, or thought we should know?
Local media is under unprecedented pressure. Outlets like Canberra Daily tell local stories, keep politicians accountable, and strengthen our community. One of the challenges facing our democracy is to rebuild local, independent voices in the media. I know it’s a burning passion for many of my colleagues, particularly our communications spokesperson, Michelle Rowland.
