Greens Stalwart Backs ACT Party's 'Outstanding' Dialogue with Liberals
Veteran environmentalist and former Greens leader Bob Brown has strongly defended the ACT Greens' recent discussions with the Canberra Liberals, describing the move as a display of political maturity and commonsense. In a letter published in The Canberra Times, Mr Brown praised ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury for initiating talks about a possible change of government, including power-sharing arrangements and cabinet appointments.
Brown Condemns 'Hankie-Twisting' Critics on the Far Right
Mr Brown took aim at conservative commentators who labelled the talks as madness, urging them to grow up. He also criticised the current ACT Labor government for its lacklustre performance, suggesting it needs to lift its game. The Greens elder emphasised that cross-party collaboration is not new, citing historical examples where left and right have worked together in the national interest.
Shane Rattenbury confirmed this week that he had explored a potential power-sharing deal with the Liberals, which could involve him becoming chief minister. Mr Brown argued that Rattenbury's experience as a high-performing minister makes him well-suited for such a role, a view he says local Liberals share.
Historical Precedents for Political Cooperation Cited
Drawing on his own political career, Mr Brown recalled balance-of-power situations after close elections, such as the 2010 federal election. He noted that then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard first approached the Greens to form government, leading to achievements like a carbon trading scheme that reduced emissions and power prices.
Mr Brown also mentioned his talks with Liberal leader Tony Abbott after that election, despite Abbott's scepticism on climate change. He stressed that no harm comes from discussing governance possibilities across the spectrum, even if negotiations do not always succeed.
International and Domestic Examples of Cross-Party Governance
The former senator pointed to successful Green-conservative coalition governments in Germany, such as in Baden-Wurttemberg, and historical instances in Australia where Labor and Liberals shared cabinet portfolios during World War II. He highlighted recent federal examples, including Liberal support for amended hate speech legislation and Greens backing for gun control laws.
In an era of manufactured division, Mr Brown concluded, Rattenbury's willingness to engage in dialogue across political lines is itself outstanding and reflects a responsible approach to governance in the ACT.
