The ACT Greens have moved to shut down widespread political speculation, firmly stating there is no agreement with the Canberra Liberals to remove the Labor government from power.
Rumours of a Coalition to End Barr's Premiership
Persistent rumours had suggested Greens leader Shane Rattenbury and new Opposition Leader Mark Parton were in advanced talks to form a joint cabinet and oust Chief Minister Andrew Barr, potentially as early as the first week of February when the Legislative Assembly resumes. Multiple sources indicated these discussions included details on cabinet composition and even an agreed transfer of the chief ministership after a set period.
In response to the escalating talk, both Labor and the Greens took the unusual step of issuing statements to The Canberra Times on a Saturday, seeking to calm the political waters less than halfway through the parliamentary term.
'Some Policy Discussions' but No Formal Pact
An ACT Greens spokesperson confirmed the party had held "some policy discussions" with Mr Parton over the summer to identify areas of potential collaboration. However, they stressed this was part of their normal function in the Assembly.
"The Greens are in the Assembly to make the ACT's public services, policies and supports the best they can be. It's our job to work across the Assembly to get the best possible outcomes for Canberrans," the spokesperson said.
They emphasised the Greens' unique position, stating: "The Greens hold sole balance of power in the Assembly, meaning we can join with Labor or the Liberals on a case-by-case basis to pass or block anything that comes to the Parliament."
While not ruling out a future governing partnership with the Liberals—a position consistent with their long-standing approach—the Greens explicitly denied any current agreement to support a no-confidence motion against Mr Barr, who has been Chief Minister since December 2014.
Labor Responds with Confidence in Agreement
A Labor spokesman said his party had received assurances from the Greens regarding the stability of their supply and confidence agreement. "This is consistent with our supply and confidence agreement to deliver stable and effective government for this parliamentary term," the spokesman said.
He clarified that the agreement allows the Greens to oppose specific government bills or motions without it constituting a lack of confidence in the ministry. "Labor respects that clarity and understands that in addition to regularly talking to us, the Greens will also chat with the Liberals and independents over policy issues," he added.
History of Crossbench Negotiations
The current speculation echoes post-election manoeuvring in late 2024. Following the election, Mr Rattenbury said his party entered discussions with all parties before ultimately signing the agreement with Labor.
In a pre-Christmas interview, Mr Rattenbury noted his constructive personal relationship with Mr Parton and said the past year had revealed areas of common ground between the Greens and Liberals. He also suggested the Greens' move to the crossbench after the election had changed how the Liberals perceived them, opening doors for greater collaboration.
The mathematical reality underpinning the rumours is clear: combining the Greens' four seats with the Liberals' nine would create a 13-seat majority in the 25-seat Legislative Assembly.
The Canberra Liberals were contacted for comment on the ongoing speculation.
