ACT Legislative Assembly Opens Sitting Week 3 with Focus on Housing and Cost of Living

Assembly Sessions Resume Today

The ACT Legislative Assembly officially commences its third sitting week of 2026 this morning, Tuesday, 17 March. As members return to the chamber in the heart of Civic, the political agenda is expected to be dominated by the territory's pressing social and economic challenges, particularly in the realms of housing affordability and the rising cost of living. This sitting week is the first of two consecutive legislative blocks scheduled for March, marking a busy period for the territory’s lawmakers.

Priority on Social Services and Budget Scrutiny

Chief Minister Andrew Barr enters this sitting week following high-level discussions held late last week with representatives from the Catholic social services sector. These talks, which included leadership from Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), underscored the growing strain on Canberra’s community support systems. Data released ahead of today's session indicates that approximately 83 per cent of community organisations in the ACT have reported a significant surge in demand for services, driven largely by financial hardship and mental health needs.

In the chamber today, the government is likely to face intense scrutiny over how it intends to protect vulnerable Canberrans from further budget constraints. Advocacy groups have raised concerns that the territory's most vulnerable residents are becoming the "shock absorbers" for broader fiscal discipline. These issues are expected to be at the forefront of today’s Question Time, which is scheduled to take place at 2:00 pm, where opposition members are prepared to challenge the government on sustainable funding for the social services sector.

Community Engagement and Infrastructure

Beyond the primary debates in the Legislative Assembly, local community groups are also mobilizing to influence government policy. Living Streets Canberra has scheduled a public meeting for 6:00 pm this evening to discuss the future of the territory's pedestrian infrastructure. The group is advocating for immediate upgrades to walking environments to improve resident safety and accessibility, citing a need for ACT infrastructure to be modernized to meet current population demands.

What to Expect in the Chamber Today

Today’s official program includes the presentation of petitions and the tabling of ministerial papers before the Assembly moves into private members' business. While the session will begin with routine administrative matters, the underlying theme for this Tuesday remains the delicate balancing act between maintaining the territory’s fiscal health and addressing the urgent need for expanded social safety nets. Residents interested in the proceedings can view the sessions via the Assembly’s official live stream throughout the day.