Canberra's political landscape has been rocked by an unprecedented move against Transport Minister Chris Steel, who now faces a formal censure motion over the troubled MyWay card system that has left commuters frustrated and opposition parties demanding accountability.
Political Storm Erupts Over Transport Technology
The Canberra Liberals have launched a blistering attack on Minister Steel, accusing him of misleading the Legislative Assembly about the timeline for replacing the ageing MyWay card system. The motion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing controversy surrounding Canberra's public transport ticketing technology.
"This is about ministerial responsibility and truthfulness to the people of Canberra," declared opposition transport spokeswoman Mark Parton, who spearheaded the censure push. The motion specifically targets what opposition members describe as contradictory statements about when a replacement for the 15-year-old system would be operational.
Defending the Record
Minister Steel has vigorously defended his position, telling the Assembly that his statements about the MyWay replacement timeline were entirely accurate. The Labor-Greens government member pointed to ongoing work to develop a new ticketing system that would better serve Canberra's evolving public transport needs.
"The government remains committed to delivering a modern, integrated ticketing system," Steel asserted during the heated debate. He emphasised that procurement processes were underway but required careful consideration to ensure value for money and system reliability.
A System Showing Its Age
The current MyWay card system, implemented in 2011, has been showing signs of technological aging for several years. Commuters have reported various issues with the system, while transport advocates argue that Canberra has fallen behind other Australian cities in adopting modern payment methods like credit card tap-and-go technology.
The censure motion represents one of the most serious political consequences a minister can face in the ACT Legislative Assembly. While largely symbolic, it carries significant political weight and could damage Minister Steel's credibility if successful.
What Comes Next for Canberra Commuters?
As the political drama unfolds in the Legislative Assembly, Canberra residents continue to navigate the limitations of the current MyWay system. The outcome of this censure motion could have lasting implications for both the minister's political future and the timeline for delivering much-needed upgrades to the territory's public transport infrastructure.
The situation highlights the growing pressure on governments at all levels to keep pace with technological advancements in public services, particularly in areas as fundamental as transport that affect daily life for thousands of Canberrans.
