As Tony Abbott's leadership of the Liberal Party appears to be moving perilously closer to its end date, it's a pertinent reminder of how unrest on Capital Hill can further disrupt Canberra's stop-start economy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's no mere coincidence the capital's static economy coincides with a period of significant unrest surrounding the Abbott government.
While there's no doubting last year's budget is a contributing factor, the instability, haphazard planning and lack of confidence in the government has bred increased disaffection and uncertainty among voters and the businesses in the community.
Small businesses owners are doing it tougher than ever.
New car sales are on the slide and ping-ponging retail figures aren't a source for hope either.
Steady public service job losses under the previous government, the threat of more after the change of government and tough measures announced in the budget put a major dampener on the property market in 2014.
However, it appears the territory market is showing signs of a revival, with consecutive months of modest house price growth and improved auction clearance rates.
Consumer sentiment has improved over recent months but the constant turmoil at the top could dent the territory's confidence again.
The public service, reeling from last year's budget, has reined in its spending as uncertainty grows around Abbott's future as Prime Minister as more speculation about a second potential leadership spill swirls.
The focus has heavily shifted to consolidation, rather than acquisition, for the public service after being dealt some tough blows by treasurers Wayne Swan and Joe Hockey.
This has also meant half a generation of young, educated Canberrans, traditional new PS recruits, are being forced to depart the capital for jobs instead of transitioning into the ACT workforce.
The looming threat of a new head of government brings the distinct possibility of a slew of new policies.
Stability and confidence are essential for effective planning, resulting in effective governance.
Meanwhile, as the numbers are being crunched for the Coalition's second budget, action on big investments is deferred.
These handsome trickle-down benefits from budget spending are imperative for businesses in the capital.
Regardless of who is its leader, the Coalition needs to get back to basics and provide good governance and solid policies – both of which have been inconspicuously bereft in recent times.
This, in turn, can provide the badly needed shot in the arm for the capital's flagging economy.
