2026-05-26
The two major parties, plus both independents have all joined forces to vote against planning and funding a comprehensive public transport network for Canberra.
Labor and the Liberals voted down a motion from ACT Greens MLAs Andrew Braddock and Jo Clay, which called on the Government to properly plan and fund the expansion of the city's light rail network and increase the number of electric buses.
The Greens have called for action at both levels of Government and are leading a petition to the Federal Parliament, calling for increased support to help fund the project and return the approval process to its original timeline.
Lines attributable to Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens spokesperson for Transport:
"It's disappointing, but not surprising the major parties teamed up to block this motion. Labor has shown time and time again a lack of political will to deliver this city shaping project properly.
"This once again proves the ACT Greens are the only party that truly understands Canberra's need for affordable, reliable public transport. And we're the only party willing to act on it.
"Labor says there's no money in the budget, but that's simply not true. This was a deliberate choice to prioritise road duplications and subsidies for the horse racing industry over essential public transport.
"Canberra deserves better than delayed light rail and under-funded buses.
"It's unacceptable that Canberra - the Nation's Capital - doesn’t have the public transport needed to support its growing population.
"We have fewer buses than we did in 1990 - make it make sense.
"I encourage Canberrans to sign my petition to the Federal Parliament. We need ACT Labor and Federal Labor working together to get this project back on track," said Mr Braddock
Lines attributable to Jo Clay, Leader of the ACT Greens and Member for Ginninderra:
“Electric buses and expanded light rail are exactly the kind of practical climate solutions Canberrans need.
“Climate action is not just about targets — it’s about giving people real alternatives to car dependence. The choices we make now will shape how Canberrans move, work and live for decades.”