Political Showdown Looms as ACT Assembly Prepares for Speaker Vote
The Canberra Legislative Assembly is set for a dramatic final sitting week of 2025, with the election of a new Speaker taking centre stage as the first item of business. This crucial vote represents the last piece in the puzzle following the Canberra Liberals' recent leadership overhaul and carries potentially significant implications for the opposition's political strategy.
The Canberra Liberals announced their nomination of Jeremy Hanson for the position a fortnight ago, following his resignation as deputy opposition leader. The speakership vacancy was triggered when Mark Parton resigned from the role to return to frontline politics as leader of the Canberra Liberals after Leanne Castley's departure.
Concerns Over Impartiality and Political Manoeuvring
Mr Hanson has been actively lobbying his parliamentary colleagues to secure their support, but his candidacy has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Both Chief Minister Andrew Barr and the ACT Greens have publicly expressed concerns about Mr Hanson's ability to maintain the impartiality required for the Speaker's role.
Chief Minister Barr described the nomination as "a bold call by Mr Parton and the Liberals", drawing comparisons to former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's nomination of Bronwyn Bishop as Speaker of the House of Representatives. This historical parallel underscores the political significance of the Liberals' strategic move.
Meanwhile, former Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee, who led the party to the 2024 election, is widely regarded within the Assembly as a strong potential candidate for the speakership. However, she has shown no intention of seeking the position, as doing so would directly contradict the party room's decision to back Mr Hanson and likely exacerbate existing tensions within the Canberra Liberals.
Legislative Agenda and Policy Reforms in Final Sitting Days
Beyond the Speaker election, the government plans to advance significant legislation during the final three sitting days. A key bill to classify public housing as territory priority projects will be debated, designed to accelerate housing construction for vulnerable Canberrans.
Planning Minister Chris Steel emphasised the urgency, stating: "We're working to deliver more homes for the Canberrans who need them most. That means getting rid of the road blocks that have stopped these vital homes being built." The legislation will be amended to include both community and social housing following recommendations from a parliamentary inquiry.
The government will also seek to fast-track laws creating automatic disqualification from working with vulnerable people checks for individuals disqualified in other states or territories. Disability, Carers and Community Services Minister Suzanne Orr explained this would "prevent people who have been disqualified in another state or territory from being able to work with vulnerable people in Canberra, creating further safeguards to keep children and young people safe."
The Greens, meanwhile, are pushing for government commitment to commission a feasibility study for completing the active travel network from West Belconnen to the Belconnen town centre. Greens deputy leader Jo Clay argued that "Canberra was better with bikes" and emphasised the need for "wide connected footpaths" to reduce emissions and improve community connectivity.
As the political drama unfolds inside the Assembly, the outcome of the Speaker vote will set the tone for the opposition's approach heading into the new year, with all eyes on whether the Liberals' calculated risk will deliver the political payoff they're banking on.
