Thomas Emerson MLA, who takes his seat for the first time today in the ACT Legislative Assembly as an Independent Member for Kurrajong, signed an agreement early this morning with Andrew Barr MLA, Leader of ACT Labor, confirming his support for Mr Barr’s candidacy as Chief Minister of the ACT. The agreement lays out his terms for supporting an incoming Labor-led Government with supply and confidence, except in instances of corrupt, grossly negligent or reprehensible conduct.

Mr Emerson said he wanted to see the formation of a stable government and would remain on the crossbench, working as an independent with all Members of the Assembly to drive more ambitious action focused on addressing unmet community needs.

“Canberrans have been calling for more transparency, accountability and responsiveness from our government. This agreement is a good first step toward answering those calls,” said Mr Emerson.

“From the start of my campaign, I committed to retaining my independence while working collaboratively to create meaningful change. The terms of this agreement support that commitment, putting me in a position to operate as an effective Independent MLA over the next four years. ”

Mr Emerson said a series of good-faith conversations across party lines had informed his decision to negotiate the agreement penned with Mr Barr, which includes 24 clauses covering a series of administrative and policy-related commitments. 

“This agreement will ensure action is taken in areas where it’s desperately needed,” said Mr Emerson.

“Everyone should have a safe place to sleep in our city.

“Young people should have a future they can feel excited about here. 

“Canberra should be a place where we commit to tackling disadvantage and ensuring everyone can thrive, regardless of income, age or background.

“Although we hoped to be negotiating for our community from a stronger balance-of-power position, I am encouraged that this agreement initiates a constructive relationship with a governing party that expects independents to play a significant role in the Assembly.”

Many of the commitments contained in the supply-and-confidence agreement reflect priorities listed in Independents for Canberra’s Statement of Expectations, which was released in the fortnight before the election. 

The agreement is available here and includes commitments to:

1. Increase the proportion of social housing dwellings in the ACT.
2. Improve support for vulnerable community members by ensuring community sector funding accounts for growth in population, salaries in the sector and complexity of need.
3. Examine new methods to reduce elective surgery wait times.
4. Recruit more park rangers to work on environmental conservation and invasive species management.
5. Establish a Strata Commissioner with retirement villages included within its remit.
6. Stand up a comprehensive inquiry, or series of inquiries, into the ACT’s criminal justice system to address high reoffending rates.
7. Deliver a long-term community sport infrastructure plan to maintain and improve facilities across the ACT.
8. Examine insurance costs for small and medium-sized businesses.
9. Collaborate with creative communities and music venue managers to implement effective night-time economy support measures, co-designed with the sector.
10. Provide for the introduction of a Private Members Bill establishing a Future Generations Act, which would carry forward a community-led vision for the Canberra we want for generations to come. The Bill will be referred for inquiry before being considered by the Assembly.
11. Support various administrative arrangements to ensure Mr Emerson’s effectiveness as an Independent Member, including with respect to consultation, committee membership, staffing and briefings.

The agreement does not limit the scope of either signatory’s work beyond the terms listed in the document. It will be reviewed annually.

“I thank Mr Barr for his willingness to engage and negotiate in good faith. I’m heartened by the conversations I’ve had since the election with a range of different incoming MLAs who’ve all expressed an eagerness to collaborate on shared priorities,” said Mr Emerson.

Mr Emerson will be available to speak to media outside the Members' Entrance to the Legislative Assembly at 11.30am.