23 October 2023
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 23 October 2023
Cabinet date: 23 October 2023
Government Procurement Amendment Bill 2023 – Agreement to Introduce
Minute Number: 23/053/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Special Minister of State introduce the Government Procurement Amendment Bill 2023 to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Government Procurement Amendment Bill 2023 will deliver on key reforms identified in the ongoing delivery of the Procurement Reform Program. The Procurement Reform Program addresses the governance and institutions wellbeing domain as it works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes and sustain and increase the community’s confidence in the integrity, accountability, and reliability of the ACT Government’s Procurement Framework.
Government Response – Maternity services and health services for women – Assembly Resolutions of 7 February 2023 and 21 March 2023
Minute Number: 23/376/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health deliver a Ministerial Statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly on Maternity services and health services for women (in response to Assembly Resolutions of 7 February 2023 and 21 March 2023).
The anticipated wellbeing impact of increased continuity midwifery model of care is lower intervention and better outcomes for women and babies, including maternal satisfaction. This increase in quality-of-life health indicators and wellbeing measures is protective and contributes to a strengths-based system design approach for new families beginning the parenting journey.
Government Response to Assembly Resolution on establishing a Rental Ombudsman or Commissioner
Minute Number: 23/462/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government Response to the ACT Legislative Assembly resolution calling on the Government to investigate and consider establishing a rental ombudsman commissioner for the ACT.
This submission will have indirect positive impacts in the housing and home domain.
Non-Urban Water Metering Policy
Minute Number: 23/471/CAB
Cabinet agreed to adopt the Non-urban Water Metering Policy which delivers on the ACT’s commitment to improve metering standards under the National Framework for non-urban water metering. The Policy provides an acceptable level of confidence in water meter performance, ensures greater coverage of pattern approved water meters which comply with the relevant standards, and uses a risk management approach to prioritise metering implementation.
The Non-urban Water Metering Policy builds on existing water metering requirements to strengthen water measurement and enhance the regulatory approach and demonstrates the ACT’s commitment to National Framework for non-urban water metering. It provides a robust metering framework which will improve the confidence in water meter performance and accuracy, reduce environmental impacts of water usage and ensure water is used sustainably.
Inclusive Access to Swimming Facilities – Assembly Resolution of 12 October 2022
Minute Number: 23/486/CAB
Cabinet agreed the proposed Government Response to the Assembly Resolution of 12 October 2022 regarding inclusive access to swimming facilities.
The proposal will have an ongoing positive impact in the wellbeing domain of Social Connection by facilitating inclusive and gender specific swimming options.
Ministerial Statement – Safe Swimming Infrastructure – Assembly Resolution of 30 November 2022 – Government Response
Minute Number: 23/520/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Planning and Land Management deliver a Ministerial Statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly, in response to the Assembly Resolution of 30 November 2022 on Safe Swimming Infrastructure.
Work is underway to prepare by mid-2024 an ACT Inland Waters Drowning Prevention Plan to help reduce risks associated with recreational activities around Canberra’s inland waterways. As an interim response for the upcoming 2023-24 summer swimming season, a range of education and awareness activities will be undertaken through the ACT Swim Safety Campaign, as well as on the ground improvements to infrastructure at priority sites along the Murrumbidgee River and Cotter Reserve. Education and awareness activities will seek to improve Canberra community understanding and awareness of the dangers associated with swimming at local rivers and reduce the likelihood of injury and or death by drowning.
Water recovery agreement with the Australian Government
Minute Number: 23/527/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government enter into an agreement with the Australian Government to meet the ACT’s water recovery commitment under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and to improve long-term water security in the ACT.
The agreement with the Australian Government for water recovery for environmental purposes will contribute to improving the ACT’s long-term water security and environmental outcomes in the ACT.
Ministerial Statement - Snakes - Protection and Education Programs - Assembly Resolution 28 March 2023
Minute Number: 23/586/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for the Environment’s deliver a Ministerial Statement to ACT Legislative Assembly addressing the Assembly Resolution of 28 March 2023, ’Snakes - Protection and Education Programs’.
Snakes are an important native animal and play a key role as a middle order predator within many of Canberra’s ecosystems. Snakes are generally shy and retreat quickly if not provoked. The ACT’s laws and statutory framework ensures that snakes are free to exist outside of captivity and transferred quickly for care if sick or injured.
Government Response – Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety – Report No 17 – Inquiry into Supreme Court Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/603/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General present the Government Response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Report No 17, Inquiry into the Supreme Court Amendment Bill 2023 in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The tabling of the Government Response will support the wellbeing outcome of Governance and Institutions, recognising that the Government seeks to provide a further right to appeal a conviction on the basis of fresh and compelling evidence. The legislative reform will have a positive effect on the human right to a fair trial by providing additional opportunities to detect and rectify wrongful convictions.
ACT Government Submission to the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-25 Review
Minute Number: 23/660/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government Submission to the Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership Agreement 2020-2025 and for the Submission to be published.
the ACT Government Submission does not have a direct well-being impact, as no new initiatives are contemplated. The Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership Agreement 2020-2025 may have a positive impact on the Canberra community by informing an improved national integrated system of legal assistance in future years.
Ministerial Statement – Urban Conservation Areas – Protection and Maintenance – Assembly Resolution of 2 August 2022 – Government Update
Minute Number: 23/662/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Environment deliver a Ministerial Statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly, in response to the Assembly Resolution of 2 August 2022, Urban Conservation Areas – Protection and Maintenance.
Urban conservation areas play a critical role critical role in maintaining biodiversity and healthy balanced ecosystems across Canberra. Effectively managed areas provide ecosystem benefits that contribute to conservation goals and support human health including building resilience to climate change, reducing flood risk, filtering air pollutants, and providing clean drinking water.
Lease Variation Charge and Stamp Duty options for RZ1 dual occupancies
Minute Number: 23/720/CAB
Cabinet agreed to a short-term approach for the Lease Variation Charge and Stamp Duty for the Unit Titling and sale of RZ1 dual occupancies, following Territory Plan changes.
The short-term framework will ensure there are no barriers to RZ1 subdivision under the Unit Titles Act 2001 and provide some incentive to boost development. This will have positive benefits for the economy and secondary impacts for housing affordability.
Ministerial Statement - Transport Canberra’s Bus Fleet
Minute Number: 23/740/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Transport and City Services to deliver a Ministerial Statement relating to the Transport Canberra bus fleet delivery program to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
As part of the Territory’s commitment to a zero-emission future, Transport Canberra will replace their fleet of ageing and non-DDA compliant Buses with leased lower emission diesel vehicles and Battery Electric Buses (BEB). By reducing the carbon footprint of our bus fleet in supply and operations, the Territory contributes to less greenhouse emissions, and potentially increased resilience against the effects of climate change. By establishing the infrastructure and equipment for use in zero-emission public transport and replacing existing fleet assets, the Territory will provide a direct and sustained impact on the environment and climate.
Ministerial Statement - ACT War Widows' Day 2023
Minute Number: 23/741/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Veterans and Seniors present the Ministerial Statement in recognition of ACT War Widows Day 2023to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Ministerial Statement contributes to the Wellbeing domain of identity and belonging.
Ministerial Statement on the Closing of the Disability Royal Commission 2023
Minute Number: 23/742/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Disability deliver a Ministerial Statement on the Closing of the Disability Royal Commission to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Statement will have a positive impact in the ‘governance and institutions’ and ‘identity and belonging’ domains of the Wellbeing Framework. These flow from the statement noting the importance of inclusive institutions and services and the importance of encouraging an attitudinal change to ensure inclusion of all people with disability in every setting in the ACT community.
ACT position – national report on prohibiting engineered stone in Australia
Minute Number: 23/753/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT’s approach to the Safe Work Australia Decision Regulation Impact Statement on prohibiting on the use of engineered stone in Australia.
The wellbeing impact assessment identified improved safety outcomes that could arise from regulatory reforms to better protect workers from the risk of exposure to silica dust from engineered stone.
Condolence Motion - Mr Victor Marillanca
Minute Number: 23/767/CAB
Cabinet agreed the delivery in the ACT Legislative Assembly of a motion of condolence for Mr Victor Marillanca.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Ministerial Statement - National Skills Agreement
Minute Number: 23/771/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Skills deliver a Ministerial Statement on the National Skills Agreement to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Social Housing Accelerator Implementation Plan
Minute Number: 23/634/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the ACT’s final Implementation Plan for the $50 million Social Housing Accelerator Payment, and to provide the final Implementation Plan to the Commonwealth Government in accordance with the Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.
The Implementation Plan outlines the timeframes for the delivery of around 55 to 65 additional social housing dwellings in the ACT, in line with the Commonwealth Government’s reporting requirements. Social housing supports the most vulnerable households in the ACT. The additional dwellings will reduce the pressure on the Territory’s public housing waitlist, particularly for households on the priority waitlist.
COMEBACK (Education and compliance package) Planning System Reform – New Territory Plan
Minute Number: 23/453/CAB
Cabinet agreed to additional resourcing for regulatory adjustments, compliance and education related to the new planning system.
The new Territory Plan will positively impact the wellbeing of the Canberra community and environment through the delivery of development considerations that support and enhance the Territory’s liveability and prosperity and promotes the wellbeing of residents. The Territory Plan helps to deliver a planning system that focuses on good outcomes for the Territory and facilitates ecologically sustainable development that is consistent with planning strategies and policies.
Land Acquisitions for Ginninderry Road Updates
Minute Number: 23/565/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, consistent with the City Renewal Authority and Suburban Land Agency Land Acquisition Direction, approve the Suburban Land Agency proceeding to acquire land to support Ginninderry Road Upgrades.
There are significant wellbeing benefits to the upgrade of the roads with the land acquisition of a small apportionment of land to ensure the adequate road infrastructure is delivered to support the Ginninderry Joint Venture urban development.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Survey Practice Advisory Committee Appointments (Minute Number: 23/492/CAB)
- Government Procurement Board Non-Public Employee Members Appointment (Minute Number: 23/697/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.