The sun has been out, and so has a lot of Canberra! Our candidates have been busy talking with people across the ACT, with more than 1 in 10 Canberrans having already voted.
There has been no shortage of news this week either.
Independents in the media
Why the indies will hold the balance of power - CityNews
“The indies are going to do very well. They will hold the balance of power. But after talking so big on change, do they support Labor or make Lee chief minister?” Political columnist Andrew Hughes calls the October 19 card. Full article available here.
The quandary of voting for the Canberra Liberals - CityNews
Michael Moore writes that "The choice is between extending the Labor-Greens coalition or handing over to a Liberal alternative that does not seem ready. Alternatively, voting for a strong crossbench of independents will at least ameliorate the excesses of the major parties.” Read more about it here.
Independents for Canberra prepared to cut deals but won't hold a government to ransom - Riotact
All Independents for Canberra candidates have agreed to only support a government that meets the group’s 20-point statement of expectations if it holds the balance of power after 19 October. The group said that any successful Independents for Canberra candidates would not join a coalition government but sit on the crossbench and exert pressure from there. Full article available here.
Independents for Canberra list demands for major parties to secure support - Canberra Times
Independents for Canberra would not seek to form part of coalition government if any of its candidates are elected in the upcoming ACT election and would sit on the crossbench instead. But the party has issued a list of expectations it will want a government to adhere to if its candidates held the balance of power. Read here or check out the print version below.
Emerson’s team will stay on the crossbench - CityNews
Independents for Canberra candidates intend to sit on the crossbench rather than forming part of a coalition government, says leader Thomas Emerson. Full article available here.
Volunteering
We are on the hunt for a few more volunteers to assist at polling booths on Saturday 19 October. If you're eager to help with a big final push across the finish line next Saturday, please email [email protected] and one of us will very gratefully connect you up with the team in your electorate!
We'll write again next week.
Thank you for supporting the independent movement.
It's time for change,
Leigh