George Wilson (Vice President}  and John Bell (Treasurer) met with David Pocock and Alicia Payne lon 11 Aug and 13 Aug 2025 
Here is a short report on their discussion
Meetings with Senator Pocock (11 August) and Alicia Payne MP (13 August 2025)

We met with Senator David Pocock and Alicia Payne MP to raise concerns about:

• the role and effectiveness of the National Capital Authority (NCA)
• the deteriorating and unattractive appearance of Canberra, particularly the inner south
• the proposed Stage 2B light rail extension.

Senator Pocock

Senator Pocock was sympathetic to the issues raised. As a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories (JSCNCET), he explained that initiating an inquiry into Stage 2B would be difficult without government support.

He noted his strong working relationship with fellow committee member, Senator Andrew McLachlan (Liberal, SA), and undertook to raise our concerns with the Committee.

We showed him how the light rail route would adversely impact land managed by the NCA and the Commonwealth Parliament. He was particularly interested in the map we provided, which highlighted the proposed route through bushland in NCA-controlled areas.

Alicia Payne MP

Alicia Payne was less persuaded.

We argued that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Stage 2B was inadequate, and suggested the JSCNCET should consider further investigation. Ms Payne replied that the ACT Government had been re-elected three times with a clear policy to advance the tram. We countered that while the electorate may support the concept of light rail, the public remains poorly informed about the specific proposals, costs, and alternatives for Stage 2B.

We also raised concerns about accessibility: the overwhelming volume of documentation, combined with non-searchable PDF files, makes it extremely difficult for citizens to review the material.

She questioned the accuracy of Commonwealth Grants Commission advice on fiscal equalisation, We provided her with a copy of the advice for reference.

She expects to be re-elected as Chair of the JSCNCET. She acknowledged that the Committee could hold hearings on the tram. We urged her to ensure the Committee examines both the direct impact on NCA-managed areas and the broader responsibility of the NCA under the National Capital Plan to protect and promote Canberra’s role as the national capital.

General Concerns

In both meetings we emphasised the community’s frustration at the ongoing “uglification” of Canberra, including within areas under the NCA’s direct responsibility.

John Bell and George Wilson