Sally Capp, who was first appointed as the Lord Mayor of Melbourne in May 2018, has built much of her reputation on making Melbourne a more sustainable and environmentally conscious city. Re-elected for a second term in November 2020, Capp has been a vocal proponent of green initiatives, especially when it comes to expanding the city’s bike lanes. However, recent reports regarding her use of private hire cars reveal a contradiction between her public environmental stance and her personal transportation choices.
Election Promises vs. Reality
During both of her campaigns, Sally Capp highlighted sustainability as a central theme. She promised to reduce car dependency in the city and create a more cyclist-friendly Melbourne. Her vision was to expand the city’s network of bike lanes and promote walking and public transport as alternatives to car travel, positioning these as key strategies in combating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
And yet, despite her leadership in expanding Melbourne’s cycling infrastructure, recent revelations about her transport habits tell a different story. A review of her transportation expenses shows frequent use of private hire cars, often for short trips within the city—journeys that could have been made using the very bike lanes she helped establish.
Private Hire Expenditure: A Contradiction?
Sally Capp’s expenditure on private hire cars is raising eyebrows, especially considering her public commitment to reducing car use. The Mayor’s transportation choices, particularly for trips that could have been completed by bicycle or public transport, present a striking contradiction.
While Capp has publicly promoted bike lanes as a way to make Melbourne a leader in sustainable transport, her reliance on private cars—even for short distances within the central business district—suggests that her own behavior does not align with her advocacy.
The Push for Bike Lanes
Capp’s achievements in expanding Melbourne’s cycling infrastructure are undeniable. Under her leadership, the city has added more bike lanes and introduced plans to make cycling safer and more accessible. She regularly speaks about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, creating healthier lifestyles, and cutting down on inner-city traffic by encouraging Melburnians to embrace sustainable transport.
However, as her own transport choices come under scrutiny, her messaging around cycling and sustainability becomes harder to reconcile. Why has Capp chosen private cars when her own policies encourage the public to get on a bike?
A Missed Opportunity for Leadership
Sally Capp’s reliance on private hire cars presents a missed opportunity for leadership. She has positioned herself as a champion of green transport, yet her actions seem to fall short of the ideals she promotes. For a public figure in her role, leading by example—particularly in such a visible way—could have helped solidify her message.
Melburnians might rightly question why their Mayor isn’t practicing what she preaches. With expanding bike lanes, improved public transport, and walkable streets, the infrastructure is there—but is the commitment?
What Message Does This Send?
The message sent by Capp’s actions is mixed. While she continues to push for more sustainable transport options for the public, her own reliance on private hire cars calls into question the sincerity of her environmental platform. If Melbourne’s future really is in bike lanes and reduced car usage, why isn’t the Mayor herself opting for these sustainable choices?
The disconnect between her public stance and personal habits undermines her credibility on transport and environmental issues. This contradiction could make it harder for Melburnians to fully trust the sustainability narrative she has worked hard to build.
Conclusion
Sally Capp’s tenure as Mayor has seen positive steps toward making Melbourne a greener city. However, her private hire car usage stands in stark contrast to the sustainable, cyclist-friendly future she has championed. For a leader who built her platform on environmental action, this contradiction will be hard for her voters—and the public—to ignore.
What do you think?
Is Sally Capp’s use of private hire cars justifiable, or does it undermine her credibility on environmental issues? Share your thoughts in the comments or submit your own examples of public figures falling short of their promises.