Labor Secures Historic 7th Term As Government of ACT

A triptych of ACT Labor Chief Minister Andrew Barr at a polling booth at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Oct. 3, 2023 (left), ACT Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee at Parliament House in Canberra, on Oct. 18, 2024 (centre), and ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Sept. 14, 2023. AAP Image/Lukas Coch, Mick Tsikas

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr is set to form government for an unprecedented seventh consecutive term—despite a 3.3 percent swing against Labor—solidifying his place as one of Australia’s longest-serving political leaders.

With the election night votes nearly counted, Barr’s Labor Party is projected to win at least 10 seats in the 25-seat Legislative Assembly with the Greens likely to win three—13 is the threshold to form government.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home of the federal Parliament, is arguably the country’s most progressive jurisdiction.

The ACT has some of the most ambitious climate change targets, and has also legalised possession of small amounts of heroin and cocaine. Further, the ACT was the only jurisdiction to record a majority “yes” result to The Voice referendum to change the Constitution to enhance recognition of Indigenous people.

In response to the latest vote count, Barr addressed his party at the Labor Party headquarters in Canberra late on election night, expressing gratitude and pride in the party’s achievements.

“A seventh term of government is extraordinary,” he said, to the cheers of supporters.

“This result is the product of the hard work of every Labor candidate who campaigned tirelessly,” Barr said.

“Leading the Labor team in the assembly is the greatest privilege and honour of my life. I couldn’t perform this role without your tremendous support.”

Barr emphasised that Labor’s continued success was not just a political triumph, but a demonstration of the movement’s deep roots in the ACT community.

“We knocked on every door in Canberra, and we heard what people wanted,” Barr said.

“This result belongs to the people of Canberra who continue to put their trust in us.”

Despite his own party’s success, Barr acknowledged the efforts of the opposition, particularly Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee.

“We should acknowledge the considerable support Elizabeth Lee received from the community. The Liberal Party has an important role in keeping our democracy alive,” Barr said.

Liberal Party Leader Concedes Defeat 

Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee conceded defeat around 9:30 p.m., acknowledging the strength of Labor’s campaign while noting her party’s inability to gain sufficient ground.

“Canberrans have voted for change, but perhaps not quite enough to get us there,” Lee told Liberal supporters.

While the Liberal Party enjoyed an early swing on election night, it failed to translate into the numbers required to unseat Labor after 23 years in power.

She praised the longevity of Labor’s rule, acknowledging the feat of winning seven consecutive elections.

“No matter how you cut it, 27 years in power is an incredible achievement,” she said.

Lee also thanked her Liberal candidates, acknowledging their efforts in a traditionally progressive-leaning city: “Thank you for putting your hand up to wear blue in Canberra, when it’s not easy to do at times.”

Lee, who campaigned on addressing cost-of-living pressures and capping residential rate increases, ran a spirited campaign but ultimately could not overcome Labor’s dominance in the territory.

Her promises to build 125,000 new homes by 2050 and create a new urban centre in Kowen failed to convince enough voters to switch from the long-standing incumbents.

Despite the setback, Lee has vowed to continue holding the government to account.

“We closed the gap between Labor and Liberal, and we made them work for it,” she said. While the Liberals increased their seat count by one, it was not enough to topple Barr’s government.

Greens Lose Grip, Independents Emerge  

While Labor is on track to retain 10 seats, their coalition partner, the ACT Greens, is facing a reduction in their representation.

The Greens are set to lose half their seats, dropping from six to three—a blow for the party that played a crucial role in the previous government.

ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury and MP Jo Clay are expected to hold onto their seats, but the party’s influence in the Legislative Assembly will be significantly diminished.

Meanwhile, independents are emerging as potential kingmakers with the Independents for Canberra leader Thomas Emerson on track to win a seat with 10.2 percent of the vote.

Meanwhile, independent Fiona Carrick looks likely to secure a seat in Murrumbidgee with 11.7 percent of the vote.

Emerson drew comparisons to the federal “teal” independent movement, which shaved the Liberal Party of several affluent electorates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

So far, he has remained non-committal about who he would support in forming a government.

“I think it would be a disservice to the people we’ve spoken to throughout our campaign to declare any position without first having meaningful conversations with both prospective leaders,” Emerson told ABC.

Labor Secures Path to Government 

Despite suffering a 3.3 percent swing against them, Labor remains in a strong position to form government with the Greens’ support.

Labor Ministers Yvette Berry and Tara Cheyne are also likely to retain their seats in Ginninderra, and backbencher Michael Pettersson is expected to be re-elected.

On the Liberal side, Leader Elizabeth Lee, Deputy Leader Leanne Castley, and MP Jeremy Hanson have all secured re-election.

Liberal MPs Mark Parton and Peter Cain, as well as candidate Deborah Morris, are likely to join the Legislative Assembly.

Barr Pledges to Keep Canberra ‘Progressive’

Having served since 2014, Barr has consistently championed progressive reforms, from marriage equality to climate action.

“We were the first city in Australia to be powered 100 percent by renewable electricity,” Barr noted during his address.

“We are now building the Big Canberra Battery to store that renewable energy.”

He highlighted the importance of climate action, adding, “We will not take a backward step on climate action.”

Throughout his campaign, Barr highlighted his government’s experience and stability as key selling points, warning against the risks of political change.

His focus on keeping Canberra a “progressive” city resonated with voters, particularly as he pledged to extend the light rail project, electrify the bus fleet, and build new cultural facilities.