Two variations to the territory plan were the subject of an opposition disallowance motion – which would likely not have been passed on the numbers. But rather than debate the motion within a 10 day period as is the usual process, the government forced its own motion to bring the debate on immediately, saying it was stepping in "to save thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment," according to Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

The University of Canberra is poised to sign several lucrative development opportunities in coming weeks as part of its redevelopment ambitions.

But shadow planning minister Alistair Coe said the university had benefited from "preferential planning laws" which would impact on the Belconnen Town Centre.

"The Barr government has shown its contempt for planning by not allowing a proper Legislative Assembly debate on the undermining of the Belconnen Town Centre and light rail," Mr Coe said.

"As is the case with other town centres, Belconnen is facing uncertainty and Variation 347 means businesses and proprietors face an unfair playing field. Importantly, this variation means land at UC is not subject to the lease variation charge or other rules and regulations."

Belconnen developers have warned against a "bleeding out" of town centre level retail, office and residential uses to the university campus, according to Rock Group's John Efkarpidis.

But Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said he had been working with the Belconnen Community Council to host public meetings to debate how to integrate the redeveloping campus with the existing town centre, and that the campus redevelopment would draw more people to the town centre.

Mr Coe said the variation would create "further uncertainty and risk for the property sector in Canberra".

"The government has now created a two-tier planning system: one for themselves and their mates and another for the community. This arrogant preferential approach is also playing out on government-owned Mr Fluffy blocks."
The light rail changes include allowing Capital Metro to access rezoned land near the tracks for substations – potentially including nature strips.

Mr Coe said it was the height of arrogance and "Variation 327 allows the government to continue its reckless pursuit of light rail (Now) the Barr government now won't even allow a proper debate on its contentious rules in the Legislative Assembly".

Mr Barr accused the opposition of trying "to disrupt the process by lodging a disallowance on the last day of the sitting period. The government then brought on its own disallowance to ensure the debate took place in this sitting".

"Just like the Tony Abbott's Liberals, the Canberra Liberals are Canberra bashers. They were playing politics with jobs and infrastructure and we couldn't let that happen, particularly when there are ample safeguards in place and there has been comprehensive consultation on the university's plans," Mr Barr said.

"The University of Canberra is a major employer and its vision for the campus will create jobs for our city and help diversify our economy, by playing to our strengths in higher education."