20 March 2023
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 20 March 2023
Cabinet date: 20 March 2023
Draft Urban Open Space Land Management Plan
Minute Number: 22/733/CAB
Cabinet agreed to release the draft Urban Open Space Land Management Plan for public consultation.
The draft Urban Open Space Land Management Plan provides information about how the ACT Government manages urban open space on the community’s behalf; the land types and their values; the range of facilities available in each land type; the range of activities anticipated for each land type; and the role each of us can play in shaping our public open space.
Review of the COVID-19 Business Support Grant Program and the Small Business Hardship Scheme
Minute Number: 22/814/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Economic Development present the Report on the Evaluation of the COVID-19 Business Support Grant Program and the Small Business Hardship Scheme in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Overall the Evaluation found that the Business Support Grant Program and the Small Business Hardship Scheme were implemented efficiently and effectively, impacted many businesses positively and that valuable lessons were learned, including areas for improvement, for the ACT Government in implementing future programs.
ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2023-32
Minute Number: 22/824/CAB
Cabinet endorsed and agreed to the release of the ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2032.
The ACT Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2032 provides the vision, principles, priorities and early actions to build and retain a sustainable health workforce for the ACT and surrounding regions.
Offenses against vulnerable people - statutory review
Minute Number: 23/119/CAB
Cabinet agreed to commence a public consultation through the ACT Government YourSay website (‘the YourSay consultation’) as part of the statutory review of the offences against vulnerable people required by section 442C of the Crimes Act 1900.
The commencement of the YourSay consultation will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the broader ACT population, as it will improve engagement with the Canberra community. The public nature of a YourSay consultation will enable all Canberrans to provide feedback on certain aspects of the offences against vulnerable people. The YourSay consultation will also have a specific impact on people with disability, service providers, carers, and children and young people. It will seek feedback on targeted questions concerning the scope of the definition of ‘vulnerable person’, the nature of caring relationships, and the exclusion of children from the offences. The responses to these questions will be considered during the evaluation of the operation of the offences and will directly inform any recommendations that emerge from the review.
Physical and Sexual Abuse Indemnity Scheme
Minute Number: 23/188/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the implementation of an interim Physical and Sexual Abuse Indemnity Scheme from 31 March 2023 until 30 June 2023 and to the development of a long-term scheme to be implemented from 1 July 2023.
This proposal supports the ongoing provision of services to the ACT Government and Community by out of home care service providers, ensuring ongoing opportunities for Canberrans to work in this sector as well as ensuring ongoing services to support out of home care arrangements for vulnerable children and young people.
Government Response – Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality Report 6: Inquiry into the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Amendment Bill 2022
Minute Number: 23/227/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government response to recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality in Report 6 Inquiring into the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Amendment Bill 2022.
The Submission positively engages the living standards wellbeing domain by amending the portable long service leave schemes to ensure more workers are able to access long service leave as they move jobs in their profession.
Government Response - Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety - Report No 12 - Inquiry into the Freedom of Information Amendment Bills 2022
Minute Number: 23/229/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety’s Report into the Freedom of Information Bills 2022.
The Government response impacts the governance and institutions wellbeing domain. The Government response supports trust in government by demonstrating that the ACT Government values public discussion about the community’s experiences with freedom of information, and has carefully considered the Standing Committee’s recommendations in this respect.
An Investigation into wood heater policy in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/235/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for the Environment table in the ACT Legislative Assembly, the report by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment titled ‘An investigation into wood heater policy in the ACT’.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Big Canberra Battery Stream 1 and 2
Minute Number: 23/268/CAB
Cabinet agreed to proceed to contract execution for Stream 1 and Stream 2 of the Big Canberra Battery project.
The Big Canberra Battery procurements will have positive wellbeing impacts by enabling emissions reductions, putting downward pressure on electricity prices, and helping to ensure that Canberra has a stable and reliable electricity supply.
International Women’s Day – Executive Motion
Minute Number: 23/299/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Women present an Executive Motion on International Women’s Day in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill 2023 (National Code of Conduct for Health Workers) – Introduction
Minute Number: 23/041/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the introduction of the Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill 2023 (National Code of Conduct for Health Workers).
The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (the National Code) seeks to protect the public by allowing a person to make a complaint to an independent regulator (that is, the ACT Health Services Commissioner in the ACT), in relation to workers who deliver health services and fail to comply with minimum standards of conduct and practice, and for the regulator to take action against the worker where there is a serious health or safety risk.
Water Resources Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/094/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction present the Water Resources Amendment Bill 2023 in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Bill supports improvements in water governance by clarifying accountabilities. It also strengthens information sharing arrangements and collaboration. Improved governance has flow on benefits to the environment which, in turn, support human cultures, economies, sustainable livelihoods, and well-being.
Affordable Home Purchase Scheme and Affordable Rental
Minute Number: 23/155/CAB
Cabinet provided in-principle agreement to the development of a framework for leaseholders to satisfy affordable housing requirements by instead providing long-term affordable rental dwellings, on application, rather than for sale.
This framework has the potential to increase the number of affordable rental dwellings to support a greater number of lower income households in the ACT.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Cultural Facilities Corporation Board Appointment 2023 (Minute Number: 23/237/CAB)
- ACT Long Service Leave Authority Governing Board – 2023 Member Appointments (Minute Number: 23/259/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.
Cabinet date: 26 March 2023
Annual Statement on the Status of Women and Girls 2023
Minute Number: 23/105/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Women: table the Annual Statement on the status of women and girls in the ACT 2023 in the Legislative Assembly; and deliver a summary version of the statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Annual Statement on the status of women and girls in the ACT 2023 addresses the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving gender equality in the ACT, significantly promoting the equal participation of women and girls in the community. The Wellbeing Domains significantly addressed by the Second Action Plan 2020-22 under the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 and Annual Statement are Identity and Belonging, Health, Economy, Living Standards, Education and Life-long Learning, Safety, Housing and Home, and Access and Connectivity.
Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion Inquiry into the Future of School infrastructure – Government Submission
Minute Number: 23/115/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government Submission to the Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion Inquiry into the future of school infrastructure.
Investment in public school infrastructure has a major impact on the education, health, and safety of students, teachers, and other staff in ACT public schools. Modernisation and new school builds also focus on inclusion and accessibility, benefiting students and other members of the school community with mobility issues and other disabilities. Accessible and sustainable development in public schools will benefit the community and the environment.
Ministerial Statement – Summary of 2022-23 High-Risk Weather Season
Minute Number: 23/129/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Police and Emergency Services present a Ministerial Statement on the 2022-23 High-Risk Weather Season in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
ACT Wrap-up of the National Landcare Program 2018-2023
Minute Number: 23/173/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for the Environment deliver a Ministerial Statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly about the conclusion of the 2018-2023 National Landcare Program and its benefits to the ACT.
It is intended that ACT Natural Resource Managements impact on all sectors is empowering and enables the community to feel their views are heard their needs and concerns are recognised and their contributions are valued and reflected in how ACT Natural Resource Management designs and implements programs based on ACT Government, National Landcare Program and community priorities and aspirations.
Ministerial Statement – Digital Health Record Update
Minute Number: 23/232/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health deliver a Ministerial Statement on the update on the implementation of the ACT’s new Digital Health Record in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Ministerial Statement provides an update to the Legislative Assembly on the impact the Digital Health Record has had on the delivery of clinical care in the ACT public health services since it was implemented on 12 November 2022.
Government Response to Petition 042-22 and 001-23 Freestanding Birth Centre in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/274/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government response to Petitions 042-22 and 001-23 Freestanding Birth Centre in the ACT be provided to the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
There is significant support among Canberrans for a freestanding birth centre in the north side of Canberra. The inclusion of a midwifery-led free standing or an alongside birth centre will increase the birthing options available for eligible low-risk women and pregnant people in Canberra.
Executive Motion – World Wildlife Day
Minute Number: 23/300/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for the Environment present an Executive Motion regarding World Wildlife Day in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The ACT Government support and deliver a wide range of projects and activities that support populations of threatened and endangered species within its borders. These projects and activities are facilitated across a range of business units within the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.
Application and Assessment Project Update - Ministerial Statement
Minute Number: 23/36/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services to deliver a Ministerial Statement on the Application and Assessment Project in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
An online and digitised application and assessment process will provide better access and transparency for applicants applying for social housing in the ACT. It will provide timelier and clearer information on eligibility and an applicant’s place on the waitlist and will give greater choice and control to those who use it. The process has been informed and shaped around the feedback provided by services and service users and recognises that those with the most urgent need for housing also require a service experience based on an understanding and responsiveness to trauma and criticality.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- City Renewal Authority Board Appointments – June 2023 (Minute Number: 23/239/CAB)
- Interim Heritage Council Appointments (Minute Number: 23/302/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.