Liberal MLA Peter Cain introduced a motion to the Assembly calling on the ACT Government to reverse its decision to abolish Sunday library opening hours across Canberra, and to restore evening opening hours, rule out any reductions in staffing or programs, and guarantee that every library branch will retain some form of weekend access.
Greens MLA Andrew Braddock moved amendments to the motion seeking to pause the proposed changes for three months in order to give the Assembly more time and information to reach an informed position on the changes alongside consideration of the Government’s 2026-27 Budget. The Greens’ amendment was shaped by their engagement with Thomas and received unanimous support from the Assembly.
Thomas spoke in support of the motion and the Greens amendment, while making the point that if the Government underinvests in services, people will use them less, and that using this to justify further underinvestment is a mistake.
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick moved an amendment to the Greens amendment, adding calls to identify which libraries will provide after-hours access, to assess the impact on services and amenities from relocating Access Canberra into the Woden library, and to update the Assembly on planning for the Molonglo library by September 2026. Ms Carrick’s amendment was supported.
The motion, as amended, passed unopposed.