Thomas moved a disallowance motion in an attempt to block a legislative instrument introduced by the Government delaying the commencement of new fees for developers closing footpaths and roads until 1 July 2026. 

Many community members have written to Thomas expressing concerns about the impact of footpath closures around construction sites on pedestrians, particularly those with mobility restrictions. Thomas had welcomed the introduction of new fees aimed at disincentivising prolonged closures of footpaths and roads around construction sites, and wanted to see the fees brought in this financial year, starting on 1 July 2025, as originally planned. His disallowance motion, if successful, would require that to happen.

Delaying the commencement of these fees by 12 months was described as an ‘advocacy win’ by the Property Council ACT. ACT Labor said they had been told industry was not ready for the new fees this year, and had agreed to delay them until next financial year.

Fees and other restrictions for footpath closures that affect pedestrian access have long been common practice in many Australian cities, including in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.

Despite support from Pedal Power ACT, the Conservation Council ACT, Canberra by Bike, Living Streets Canberra, the ACT Greens and Fiona Carrick MLA, Thomas’ disallowance motion was voted down by ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals, and did not pass.