Federal Labor big guns attack Coe's conservatism at Barr's campaign launch

Chief Minister Andrew Barr at the ACT Labor Party campaign launch. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

---

ACT Labor has officially kicked off its election campaign declaring itself as the steady pair of hands in contrast to the Liberals' inexperience and conservatism. Federal Labor figureheads repeatedly attacked Opposition Leader Alistair Coe, saying his social values would set Canberra back. Chief Minister Andrew Barr used the campaign launch to suggest covid-19 and the bushfire crisis meant now more than ever, Canberra needed a progressive and experienced government.

Light rail, renewable energy, nurse led walk in centres and job creation were all rolled out as examples of Labor's progressive achievements. Labor Leader Anthony Albanese appeared via video link at the launch, saying Mr Barr was Canberra through and through

He said, Calm and decisive in a crisis. These are the hallmarks of the Barr Labor government and they give you a sense of the man who leads it.

Mr Albanese attacked the Canberra Liberals, labelling them the most socially conservative party branch in the country.

Mr Albanese said, it's not a coincidence that the only leader of a major party in any state or territory to oppose marriage equality was the leader of the opposition.

ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, Federal MP Tanya Plibersek and Senator Penny Wong also addressed the launch. Mr Barr used the event to announce Labor would increase utility bill concessions for low-income households to $900 if re-elected. The rebate would be a $200 increase on the existing scheme, with about 35,000 households eligible. The cost of the commitment is $6m-$7m split over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years.

Mr Barr told the launch., Now, more than ever, Canberrans need an experienced, mature government they can trust to lead the Territory

The campaign launch was held in front of a smaller than usual audience due to social distancing requirements. The election will be held on October 17, with pre-polling to open on September 28.

Speaking after the event, Mr Barr said he'd heard positive feedback from the community out on the campaign trail so far. All ACT elections are close as a result of the Hare-Clark electoral system. There will be a well represented opposition in the Parliament, there are not wipeout elections in the ACT like you can get in some other jurisdictions. We'll be out campaigning for every single vote.

Outgoing Liberal Member for Ginninderra Vicki Dunne said, the launch was lacklustre and showed Labor's unhealthy obsession with Mr Coe. Labor demonstrated their total obsession with Alistair Coe's active leadership in the community talking about him and the Liberals on at least 30 occasions throughout the launch while only mentioning cost of living once. When so many people are struggling under the weight of Labor's higher taxes, Labor offered no plan to lower the cost of living. They have run out of steam, have nothing of substance to take Canberra forward, and have an ugly and unhealthy obsession with Mr Coe.

Mr Coe said, the Liberals would be officially launching their campaign in the coming weeks. It seems [Labor] are far more interested in the Liberal party than they are in the future of Canberra. The Canberra Liberals will keep running a positive campaign, we'll keep putting up ideas, we'll keep putting up commitments.