Jeremy Hanson, Opposition Whip for the Canberra Liberals, is calling for extra sittings of the ACT Legislative Assembly specifically to deal with local community matters which all too often get overlooked in the ACT.

“The 2022 sitting calendar for the Assembly is at an historic low of only 35 sitting days,” said Mr Hanson.

“This sitting pattern is low compared to previous Assemblies, which have met for up to 15 weeks per year, plus additional Budget Estimates and Annual Reports hearings.

“It is also low compared to other parliaments, such as NSW or Tasmania, which also meet for up to 15 weeks per year, plus additional Budget Estimates and Annual Reports hearings.

“Other parliaments have local councils that deal with many matters that in the ACT must be dealt with by the Assembly.

“For the local Assembly to sit for only 35 days a year is not justifiable, especially when there is so many issues that simply don’t get the attention they deserve, from grass mowing to multicultural groups.

“That’s why I’m calling for the extra sitting days, and for those days to place emphasis on local issues such as those raised by our local Community Councils and Residents Associations as a matter of priority.

“This will give local community groups a real voice in the Assembly, and will help focus the Assembly on all the other things that really make a big difference in our community,” concluded Mr Hanson.