A chorus of Canberra residents is calling on the Barr government to use the summer parliamentary break for a period of serious reflection and to reset its policy priorities after a series of high-profile failures.
Mounting Scrutiny Over Major Projects and Debt
In a stinging assessment, Garran resident Mike Quirk argues the government's "incompetence has become all too apparent" through the ongoing light rail and Phillip Pool controversies, costly technology bungles, and the territory's ever-increasing debt burden. The critique comes as the ACT Auditor-General maintains a close watch on several key areas of government spending.
The Auditor-General is currently investigating the process that led to a controversial variation of the Territory Plan, which reduced the requirement for the long-promised Phillip Pool from an Olympic-standard 50 metres down to 25 metres. This follows a previous investigation into Stage 2A of the light rail extension to Commonwealth Park, which was found to be a poor use of public funds.
Light Rail Debate and Alternative Transport
The government continues to promote light rail as a fast, effective public transport solution necessary to reduce future congestion, stimulate corridor development, and lower greenhouse emissions. However, critics contend that electric buses operating in dedicated lanes could deliver similar benefits at a significantly lower cost.
Quirk labels the commencement of the expensive Stage 2A before securing approval for the subsequent Stage 2B to Woden as "an act of political and financial bastardry." He also challenges the government's argument that high-density development in Woden is a direct response to the future light rail, pointing out that demand for higher-density living exists in other well-serviced areas like Tuggeranong, Belconnen, and Kingston that are not on the rail line.
"Despite major unmet needs in health, housing and education, it regurgitates its misinformation and continues its wasteful, often unjustified, expenditure," Quirk writes, questioning the likelihood of the Legislative Assembly holding the government to account.
A Broader Community Voice: From Climate to Kindness
The call for government accountability was among several letters published, reflecting a wide range of community concerns. From Cooma, Jenny Goldie condemned the proposed dismantling of the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) by the Trump administration, calling it a "mad" move that threatens vital global climate and weather research.
Closer to home, other correspondents touched on national leadership, housing policy, and Australia Post services. Deakin's Annalisa Koeman urged a collective resolution to be kind, advocating for genuine human connection over social media vitriol. Gowrie resident Brian Wilson detailed frustrating experiences with parcel delivery, accusing Australia Post of effectively abandoning service for private citizens.
Meanwhile, the political criticism extended to the federal sphere. Kingston's Roger Terry defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, arguing he lacked the sustained bipartisan support enjoyed by leaders like John Howard and Jacinda Ardern during crises. In a contrasting view, a letter from Greenway accused the federal Labor government of putting political survival ahead of principle by rejecting a royal commission into anti-Semitism.
Together, these letters paint a picture of a community engaged on issues from local infrastructure mismanagement to global scientific integrity, all while calling for greater reflection and responsibility from their elected representatives.
