27 November 2023
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 27 November 2023
Cabinet date: 27 November 2023
September Quarterly Report, 2023-24 Whole of Government Capital Works Program
Minute Number: 23/020/CAB
Cabinet agreed to table in the ACT Legislative Assembly the 2022-23 Capital Works Program Quarterly Progress Report – 30 September 2023 as required under section 30F of the Financial Management Act 1996.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
ACT Mental Health Workforce Framework for Action 2023-2026 including Work Plan 2024
Minute Number: 23/221/CAB
Cabinet agreed the release of the ACT Mental Health Workforce Strategy Framework for Action2023-2026 including 2024 Work Plan.
The ACT Mental Health Workforce Strategy (the Strategy) has direct implications for the mental health of the ACT community. The Strategy will guide the direction of the ACT mental health workforce now and into the future. The actions arising from this work will improve mental health outcomes for the ACT community by ensuring that the workforce has the skills and supports needed to be responsive to the evolving mental health needs of the community.
ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2024-25
Minute Number: 23/293/CAB
Cabinet agreed the content for the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2024-25.
The ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2024-25 aims to achieve Vision Zero, builds on the achievements of the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2020-23 and seeks to respond to emerging road safety challenges and align with the objectives of the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2020-25, the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and National Action Plan 2023-25.
ACT Inclusive Education Strategy 2023-2033
Minute Number: 23/467/CAB
Cabinet agreed the publication of Inclusive Education: A Disability Inclusion Strategy for ACT Public Schools 2023-33 and First Action Plan 2023-2025.
Inclusive education delivers positive academic, social and wellbeing outcomes for all students (those with and without disability) and is key to creating a more equitable society. The Inclusive Education Strategy will have significant impact on education and life-long learning and identity and belonging wellbeing domains. The impact of the strategy will be positive for children and young people with disability and is intended to have an ongoing and measurable impact throughout children’s lives at school and beyond.
ACT Disability Health Strategy 2024-2033 and First Action Plan 2024-2026
Minute Number: 23/475/CAB
Cabinet agreed to publicly release the 10-year ACT Disability Health Strategy 2024-2033, and associated three-year First Action Plan 2024-2026.
The ACT Disability Health Strategy 2024-2033 will improve the wellbeing of people with disability across the Wellbeing Domains of Health; Access and Connectivity; Governance and Institutions; and Identity and Belonging. Improvements will be direct, through better coordinated and more accessible services, and indirect by affording people with disability a greater say in healthcare services. As of 2018, approximately 80,000 people in the ACT reported that they were living with disability. This represents 19.4 per cent of Canberra’s population, higher than the national average of 17.4 per cent. The DHS will ensure a positive effect for the ~80,000 people in the ACT with a disability, their families, and carers.
Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality Strategy 2021-25 - First Action Plan Report
Minute Number: 23/663/CAB
Cabinet agreed the release of the Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality Strategy 2021-25 First Action Plan Report and the Minister for the Environment to make a statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The updated Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality Strategy 2021-25 inclusive of reporting against the First Action Plan, guide and inform the government of ways to improve Canberra’s air quality and protect the health of Canberra’s from poor air quality.
No New Gas Connections Regulation
Minute Number: 23/698/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Executive make the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Amendment Regulation 2023 to introduce a restriction on the gas distributor providing new gas connections for natural gas in prescribed circumstances.
The Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Amendment Regulation 2023 will have a positive impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT and protecting future homeowners, tenants, and businesses from an uncertain and costly transition.
National School Reform Agreement Extension
Minute Number: 23/772/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government sign a 12-month extension to the National School Reform Agreement.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Bushfire Preparedness – Response to Assembly Resolution of 1 November 2023
Minute Number: 23/844/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Planning and Land Management table a statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly to address the Assembly Resolution of 1 November 2023 about bushfire preparedness.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia – ACT Government Submission to Australian Parliament Senate Inquiry
Minute Number: 23/820/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government Submission to the Senate inquiry into Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia.
There are no direct impacts associated with the proposal as the activities of the Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program are based in Queensland. There are presently no confirmed cases of Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA), in the ACT. It should be noted that if RIFA are not contained or eradicated in Queensland, there is a modelled risk that they will eventually spread to the ACT, which would have a major and sustained impact on the ACT community and environment.
Direct Sale - Block 1 Section 68 Kingston Demonstration Housing Project
Minute Number: 23/681/CAB
Cabinet agreed that Block 1 Section 68 Kingston be withdrawn from the Demonstration Housing program and that the Demonstration Housing applicant will be advised that the Territory will not be progressing with the direct sale of the land.
The development of Block 1 Section 68 Kingston is currently constrained by the presence of high voltage electrical equipment operated by Evoenergy. A process to remove electrical infrastructure and address any contamination issues is expected to take about five years. When this work is completed, the land will be ready for sale where impacts across the wellbeing domains of Economy and Housing and Home may be expected.
Potential Land Acquisition - Rural Block 50 Belconnen
Minute Number: 23/723/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 Rural Block 50 Belconnen.
There are significant benefits with the land acquisition in terms of increased housing supply, environmental offsets and a financial return to the Territory.
Withdrawal of land from rural leases to facilitate Kenny consistent with the 2023-24 to 2027-28 Indicative Land Release Program
Minute Number: 23/645/CAB
Cabinet agreed to measures that will facilitate residential land release consistent with the 2023-24 to 2027-28 Indicative Land Release Program.
The main wellbeing domains outcomes related to ‘Economy’ and ‘Environment and Climate’.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Canberra Theatre Redevelopment Project Board Independent Member (Minute Number: 23/562/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.