ACT voters could directly elect their chief minister
Liberal Senate candidate Nick Tyrrell proposes Canberrans directly elect their chief minister, who could appoint cabinet ministers from outside parliament.
Nick Tyrrell wants to let the ACT chief minister pick ministers from outside parliament. This would expand the talent pool.
The current system can only draw from a dozen or fewer elected members. This leaves key roles like health and education with inexperienced people.
Tyrrell said: "Government should do the same, instead of hoping a first-term MLA with no senior management experience masters a portfolio overnight." Former Liberal leader Gary Humphries backs a review.
He calls the idea "pretty radical" and says it may be too radical for people used to Westminster systems. The proposal needs Federal Parliament to review the ACT's system of self-government.
A Legislative Assembly standing committee is already examining electoral representation in the territory.
- Nick Tyrrell, Liberal Senate candidate
- Proposing candidate
- Dozen or fewer elected members
- Current talent pool
Why it mattersCould bring experienced non-politicians into key roles and change how Canberra voters choose their leaders, moving away from the current Westminster-based system.
AustraliaAffects only the ACT, but reflects growing debate about whether the territory's 35-year-old governance model is fit for purpose.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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