Labor and the Greens have once again voted against the release of the Nous Group review into the ACT Heritage Council. Under the Standing Orders, Shadow Minister for Heritage Nicole Lawder moved a motion requesting that the document to be tabled in the Assembly, following the government’s initial refusal in November 2022.

“It is deplorable to see Labor and the Greens once again refuse to give residents answers and not release the review into the ACT Heritage Council.” Nicole Lawder MLA said.

“The actions of Labor and the Greens today are in direct contrast of their talk about integrity and transparency. They have once again chosen to govern under a cloud of secrecy and keep Canberrans in the dark as much as they possibly can.

“Not only are they voting against open government, but the Greens voted against the use of a Standing Order that they themselves included in the first place to improve transparency. For the Greens to call themselves a crossbench now is laughable.

“Community groups and residents have been contacting my office for months wanting to access this important review. People are being asked to consider new planning laws, whilst having no idea what the future of heritage in the ACT looks like.

“We know that the Minister’s solution to the findings of this review is to undertake another review into heritage arrangements. Will she provide any assurances to the public that this next review will be made available, or will it too be kept secret?

“Heritage at its core belongs to everyone. For years residents and stakeholders have been raising concerns about the Heritage Council and they deserve answers.

"The Minister owes the public answers, and we will continue demanding them until they have them,” Ms Lawder concluded.