ACT Legislative Assembly Convenes for First Sitting of 2026 Amid Budget and Justice Debates

ACT Legislative Assembly Returns for First Sitting of 2026

The ACT Legislative Assembly officially resumed duties today, Tuesday, 3 February, marking the start of the first sitting week of the 2026 parliamentary year. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) returned to the chamber against a backdrop of significant fiscal debate and the release of critical national performance data regarding the territory’s justice and emergency systems.

Release of Productivity Commission Report on Government Services

A primary focus for the government today coincides with the release of the Productivity Commission’s 2026 Report on Government Services (RoGS). Today’s release specifically covers:

• Part C: Justice – Including performance data for police, courts, and corrective services.
• Part D: Emergency Management – Evaluating fire and other emergency services.

The data provides a benchmark for the ACT’s performance compared to other Australian jurisdictions. Government ministers are expected to address the findings in the chamber, particularly regarding court backlogs and magistrate recruitment, which have remained persistent challenges for the Territory’s legal system over the past year.

Fiscal Clashes Over Mid-Year Budget Review

Today’s session is also dominated by the lead-up to the mid-year budget review. Political parties remain at odds over the Territory’s financial trajectory. The ACT Government has indicated that the review will present a "sensible and stable" outlook, highlighting a return to surplus over the forward estimates. However, the Canberra Liberals have raised concerns regarding the ACT’s total debt, which they argue could reach $14.9 billion by the 2025-26 period when measured by the Uniform Presentation Framework.

The government continues to defend its use of the Headline Net Operating Balance (HNOB), which includes financial gains in the superannuation provision account, as a more accurate reflection of the Territory's fiscal health. This debate over accounting methods is expected to remain a central pillar of the week's legislative business.

Federal Parliament and Local Planning Notices

In addition to the Assembly's return, the Federal Parliament also commenced its Autumn sitting session in Canberra today. The simultaneous activity in both the Territory and Federal spheres has brought a heightened level of political activity to the capital. Locally, Attorney-General Tara Cheyne has signaled that the government will continue to utilize its updated powers under the Planning Act 2023 to issue show-cause notices to developers who fail to meet timeframes, a policy that remains a point of interest for the Assembly this week. The ACT Legislative Assembly is scheduled to sit through Thursday, 5 February.