24 July 2023
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 24 July 2023
Cabinet date: 25 July 2023
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/54/CAB
Cabinet agreed to develop a Bill to amend the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Act 1997.
The Bill will support the wellbeing domain of Identity and Belonging by removing barriers to applicants seeking to register a change of name and/or sex. The legislative reform will have a positive impact on human rights by supporting the right to recognition and equality before the law, by streamlining application processes and reducing red tape.
Detainee Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2028
Minute Number: 22/782/CAB
Cabinet agreed ACT Detainee Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2028 and that the Minister for Justice Health to release the Strategy.
The Strategy is expected to have a positive impact on the domain of Health, through working towards improving detainee health and wellbeing, as well as promoting the health of the broader community through returning healthier people back into the community.
ACT Government Response to Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing – Report 10 – Inquiry into Abortion and Reproductive Choice in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/440/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health table the Government Response to the Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing’s Report 10 – Inquiry into Abortion and Reproductive Choice in the ACT – and deliver a Ministerial Statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Work on the recommendations agreed the Government Response to the Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing’s Report 10 – Inquiry into Abortion and Reproductive Choice in the ACT – will have direct and sustained positive wellbeing impacts for all women and people with uteruses needing to access abortion care in the ACT.
Government Response – Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment – Investigation into Wood Heater Policy in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/458/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government response to the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment’s investigation into wood heater policy in the ACT being tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The ACT Government continues to prioritise a considered and balanced approach to minimising the impacts of wood heater emissions on the health and wellbeing of our community. The Government’s response to the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment’s investigation report details key activities being undertaken and proposed by the government related to reduce the harmful effects of wood heaters.
ACT Government Submission to Commonwealth Senate Inquiry into Rental Crisis
Minute Number: 23/533/CAB
Cabinet agreed an ACT Government Submission to the Commonwealth Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into the Worsening Rental Crisis in Australia.
The Commonwealth Senate Inquiry may have a positive impact on the Canberra community through identification of new initiatives to strengthen tenants’ rights.
Integrated Energy Plan – Position Paper
Minute Number: 23/517/CAB
Cabinet agreed to release the Integrated Energy Plan Position Paper for public consultation.
The submission impacts the Environment and Climate domain and, indirectly through the development and implementation of the IEP, and the Health and Economy domains. The ACT energy transition is anticipated to have a major impact on ACT energy consumers (household, business, and industry), with the greatest impact being felt by those vulnerable to the gas transition. This includes those on lower incomes (both those reliant on government support and lower income workers), public or private renters, culturally and linguistically diverse people, small businesses and sectors encountering complex transitions. The IEP Position Paper will seek feedback on how the ACT Government can help ensure a fair and equitable transition and contribute towards meeting its legislated targets, as gas contributes 22% of Territory emissions.
Human Rights (Right to a Healthy Environment) Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/58/CAB
Cabinet agreed to development of the Human Rights (Right to a Healthy Environment) Amendment Bill 2023.
Enshrining the right to a healthy environment in legislation will contribute to the Environment and Climate wellbeing domain by providing express protection for a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all and ensuring environmental and climate considerations feature in public authority functions and decision-making.
Barracuda Significant Cyber Incident – Data Breach Assessment and Next Steps
Minute Number: 23/547/SEMC
The Security and Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet received an update on the Barracuda cyber incident and agreed to a proposed communications approach.
The response to this cyber incident and associated communications has a positive impact on wellbeing, primarily in the Governance and Institutions domain through enhanced trust in government.
Developer Licensing and Regulation Bill 2023 – Policy Approval
Minute Number: 23/305/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the development of legislation that will establish a regulatory framework requiring that certain property developers be licensed to undertake development activity in the ACT, and be held accountable for work undertaken as part of that development activity.
The introduction of licensing and regulation of ACT property developers will have impacts across the Economy, Safety and Housing wellbeing domains through setting of standards for property developers, providing a regulatory response to building quality and safety matters, and increasing transparency for the benefit of the community.
Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (No 2) - Policy Approval
Minute Number: 23/076/CAB
Cabinet agreed to develop the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2023, which will amend criminal law legislation to support the efficient and effective functioning of the ACT criminal justice system.
The Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2023 will have wellbeing impacts across the Governance and Institutions, and the Safety wellbeing domains. The reforms will have major impacts on trust in government as they will help to ensure that laws relating to the ACT criminal justice system remain fit for purpose.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Appointment – Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism (Minute Number: 23/247/CAB)
- Reappointments to the Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) Board – Chair and member representing the community (Minute Number: 23/285/CAB)
- Appointment of President and Human Rights Commissioner of the ACT Human Rights Commission (Minute Number: 23/339/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.