12 August 2024
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 12 August 2024
Cabinet date: 14 August 2024
Draft Eastern Broadacre Strategic Assessment
Minute Number: 24/356/CAB
Cabinet agreed to commence formal negotiations with the Commonwealth on degazettal of the Majura Valley “split blocks” and in-principle agreement to progressing tenure for the split blocks and Jerrabomberra lease holders. Cabinet noted the draft Eastern Broadacre Strategic Assessment to be further reviewed in consultation with the Commonwealth.
The key wellbeing impacts of this submission relate to the ‘House and Home’ domain, where the ACT Government is agreeing to an in-principle position for land tenure for impacted lease holders and land occupiers. Progressing the Eastern Broadacre Strategic Assessment will have wellbeing impacts on ‘Economy’ and ‘Environment and Climate’ domains. There is a critical need for industrial land supply in the Territory. There are no sustainable long-term industrial land supply and very limited unleased industrial zoned land for release through the Indicative Land Release Program (ILRP) to support Canberra’s economic prosperity.
Direct Sale to Philip and Anna Christodoulou of Block 71 Section 51 Holt. Part Kippax Place road reserve and part of the access road from Moyes Crescent
Minute Number: 24/391/CAB
Cabinet agreed the terms of the direct sale of Block 71 Section 51 Holt, part of Kippax Place road reserve and part of the vacant road easement from Moyes Crescent to Philip and Anna Christodoulou for the purpose of redeveloping the Kippax group centre.
The purpose of the Direct Sale is to substantially modernise Kippax Group Centre by expanding retail space, providing additional basement parking, creating indoor and outdoor community space and developing approximately 168 residential apartments, 24 being affordable under the ACT’s Affordable Home Purchase Scheme.
Government Position for Disability Inclusion Bill 2024
Minute Number: 24/330/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government position on the Private Member’s Disability Inclusion Bill 2024 and agreed the proposed Government response to the Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion’s Inquiry into the Disability Inclusion Bill 2024.
The Disability Inclusion Bill engages the Governance and Institutions wellbeing domain and seeks to promote and enhance the engagement of people with disability, their families and supporters in informing a suite of work across government aimed at addressing ableism and removing and reducing physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers experienced by people with disability in the ACT community, and to promote disability inclusion and equity across government.
University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo) Tracks and Trails Masterplan
Minute Number: 23/815/CAB
Cabinet agreed the public release of the University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo) Tracks and Trails Masterplan.
The proposal has impacts on the domains of economy and health. Additional tracks and trails will provide more opportunities for Canberrans and visitors to undertake outdoor recreation and physical activity. The upgraded tracks will grow the park’s reputation across Australia and attract more events and visitors, which will result in an increase in tourism and economic benefit to the Territory. The liveability of the ACT as a place to live, work and invest will also be enhanced.
ACT Sustainable Building Pathway
Minute Number: 24/211/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Sustainable Building Pathway and for it to be publicly released.
The introduction of the ACT Sustainable Building Pathway will have positive impacts across the economy, safety, health, living standards, housing and home, and environment and climate wellbeing domains through improved building quality, better building performance and higher sustainability outcomes, reducing cost of living impacts and delivering on climate change and emissions commitments.
ACT Infrastructure Plan Update – Housing, Land Release and City Planning sector
Minute Number: 24/114/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the Housing, Land Release and City Planning sector update to the ACT Infrastructure Plan.
The provision of infrastructure is a significant enabler of wellbeing and is vital to enable the sustainable growth of Canberra’s communities. The sector updates to the ACT Infrastructure Plan will positively impact the wellbeing of the Canberra community and economy by ensuring that the Government’s infrastructure priorities remain appropriate to our community and that sector needs are communicated clearly. The updated Housing, Land Release and City Planning sector includes projects which will have positive direct and indirect impacts to the domains of Economy, Housing and Home, Access and Connectivity, Safety and Governance and Institutions.
Government amendments to the Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Minute Number: 24/455/CAB
Cabinet agreed Government amendments to the Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the JACS Bill) to amend the Parentage Act 2004 and the Crimes Act 1900.
The Government amendments will have a positive wellbeing impact on the identity and belonging domain, as well as the wellbeing domain of governance and institutions. The amendment to the Parentage Act will streamline the counselling process for surrogacy arrangements in the ACT. The amendment to the Crimes Act 1900 will ensure that there are no exceptions to majority verdicts for Territory offences.
Government Position on the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2024
Minute Number: 24/440/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government Position on the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2024 is to not support the Bill.
The Government Position to not support the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2024 will promote the Safety wellbeing domain by prioritising a more considered approach, to reduce potential harm to vulnerable communities, while ensuring the ACT community remains safe under the existing protection framework available under the Family Violence Act 2016.
Disallowable Instruments under the Government Procurement Amendment Act 2024 - Government Procurement Rules and Strategic Direction for the Government Procurement Board
Minute Number: 24/275/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Special Minister of State table the Government Procurement Rules in the ACT Legislative Assembly and the Rules be published on the ACT Legislation Register as a disallowable instrument.
This Submission presents minor wellbeing impacts primarily impacting the governance and institutions of the ACT Government. This Submission aims to increase community trust and confidence in ACT Government procurement activities which will in turn benefit the operation of this procurement activity.
Government Response – Integrity Commission Special Report – Operation Luna (Part One)
Minute Number: 24/428/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Skills and Training table the Government response to the Integrity Commission interim special report titled ‘Special Report – Operation Luna (Part One) in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Government Response to Assembly Resolution – Commercial Agent Licensing Scheme – Proposed Establishment
Minute Number: 24/295/CAB
Cabinet agreed Minister for Consumer affairs table the ACT Government response to the Assembly Resolution ‘Commercial Agent Licensing Scheme – Proposed Establishment’ of 21 March 2024 in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Government response highlights opportunities to contribute positively to governance and institutions wellbeing, by improving access to justice for individuals harmed by problematic and unlawful commercial agent activity.
Update to the Legislative Assembly – Operation and effectiveness of the Family Violence Act 2016
Minute Number: 24/149/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government provide an update to the ACT Legislative Assembly as per its commitment in the Government Response to Recommendation five of the Inquiry into Family Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.
Providing an update to the Legislative Assembly has a positive impact on governance and institutions. Reviewing the available data allows the Government to analyse the effect of the legislation at this two-year interval.
Government Submission – Australian Energy Regulation (AER) GN26 – Evoenergy Reference Service Proposal
Minute Number: 24/460/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government submission to the Australian Energy Regulator’s invitation to comment on Evoenergy’s Reference Service Proposal be submitted.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
National Planning Reform Blueprint – Second progress report for the ACT
Minute Number: 24/376/CAB
Cabinet agreed the National Planning Reform Blueprint progress report for the ACT be provided to the Commonwealth Government.
The submission is expected to have a positive impact on the wellbeing domain of housing and home. The blueprint aims, through planning (and non-planning) related mechanisms, to improve housing affordability and increase the supply of social and affordable housing. Measures include meeting housing supply targets, increasing densities in infill areas, and streamlining and improving approval pathways.
Cabinet date: 18 August 2024
Release of Final ACT Regional Resilience Plan
Minute Number: 24/212/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the public release of the ACT Regional Drought Resilience Plan and associated reports; Climate and drought resilience risks and planning in the ACT; and Drought mitigation through farm diversification opportunities in the ACT.
By promoting sustainable land management practices and building climate resilience within the agricultural sector, the ACT Regional Drought Resilience Plan will contribute to a healthier environment and a more climate-resilient community for all Canberrans.
Government Response to Petition E-PET-026-24 – Improvements to the Newbery Crescent neighbourhood park, Page
Minute Number: 24/439/CAB
Cabinet agreed that the Minister for City Services provide the response to Petition E-PET-026-24 Improvements to the Newbery Crescent neighbourhood park, Page to the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly for tabling.
The ACT Government response to Petition E-PET-026-24 proposes community engagement. The proposal will have a positive impact to increase opportunities for ‘social connection’ and ‘access and connectivity’ domains by listening to the views of the local community about future use of the Newbery Crescent neighbourhood park and raising options for volunteering. After the proposal has occurred there may be a perceived neutral or negative view of impacts because although the petition seeks upgraded playground equipment this may not necessarily eventuate.
Government Submission – Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee
Minute Number: 24/412/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Special Minister for State provide an ACT Government submission to the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, for its 2024 review of the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia.
The ACT Government submission will have positive impacts on the wellbeing domains of Access and connectivity and Safety.
West Belconnen Joint Venture Agreement – Participant Substitution
Minute Number: 24/461/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development table a statement on the Substitution of the Territory with the Suburban Land Agency in the West Belconnen Joint Venture Agreement.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
ACT Government Response to Petition 010-24 - Royal Commission into Housing ACT's failure to maintain public housing properties
Minute Number: 24/407/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development provide the Government Response to petition 010-24 – “Royal Commission into Housing ACT's failure to maintain public housing properties placing tenants’ health and safety at risk” to the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly for tabling.
Through the Total Facilities Management repairs and maintenance model, Housing ACT continues to prioritise improvements and efficiencies to ensure the amenity, safety, security, and condition of housing dwellings are preserved and improved, for the benefit of current and future tenants.
Ministerial Statement – Tabling of Independent Coronial Restorative Reform Process Report
Minute Number: 24/452/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General table in the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Coronial Restorative Reform Process: Overview, Outcomes, Priorities for Next Steps and a Recommendation to Support Future Restorative Reform Processes report, prepared by independent facilitator Mr Alistair Legge.
The tabling of the Coronial Restorative Reform Process: Overview, Outcomes, Priorities for Next Steps and a Recommendation to Support Future Restorative Reform Processes report will have a positive impact on the Governance and Institutions Domain by demonstrating ongoing engagement with the community regarding the ACT’s coronial system.
Government Response – Knife-related crime legislative reforms – Assembly Resolution of 16 May 2024
Minute Number: 24/404/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General present a Ministerial Statement in response to the Assembly Resolution of 16 May 2024 regarding knife related crime legislative reforms in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Government Response promotes trust in Government by ensuring that when legislative reform options are raised regarding community safety, they are thoroughly investigated to ensure that laws relating to the ACT criminal justice system remain fit for purpose.
National Construction Code – Equitable Access to Toilet Facilities – Response to the Assembly Resolution of 25 June 2024
Minute Number: 24/447/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction present a Ministerial Statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly in response to the Assembly Resolution of 25 June 2024 relating to inadequate female toilet facilities.
The Ministerial Statement in response to the Assembly Resolution of 25 June 2024 supports equitable access for female toilet facilities through the implementation of NCC 2025 which will ultimately have positive wellbeing impacts across the health, safety and living standards domains.
Nature Preservation – Response to Assembly Resolution of 31 October 2023
Minute Number: 24/343/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management present a Ministerial Statement to update the ACT Legislative Assembly on progress against the Assembly Resolution of 31 October 2023 on Nature Preservation.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expenditure Review
Minute Number: 24/133/CAB
Cabinet agreed an update to the ACT’s Closing the Gap Expenditure Review.
The Government amendments will have a positive wellbeing impact on the identity and belonging domain, supporting transparency and achievement of commitments made under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Watson Health Precinct – Direct sale of land to Winnunga Nimmityjah
Minute Number: 24/419/CAB
Cabinet agreed to undertake a direct sale of land as a community concessional lease to Winnunga Nimmityjah, recognising the Governments commitments under Closing the Gap; and following previous ACT Budget decisions by the ACT Government to partner with Winnunga Nimmityjah to construct a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drug residential rehabilitation centre.
The proposal will support access to culturally appropriate healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and the surrounding region. The Direct Sale of the proposed site strongly supports self-determination, recognises Winnunga Nimmityjah’s experience in managing health services in the Territory and demonstrates the ACT Government’s long-term partnership approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Government Response to ACT Auditor-General’s Report No 4 of 2024 – Planning and delivery services of young people with moderate to severe mental illness – Canberra Health Services
Minute Number: 24/418/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Mental Health table the Government Response to the ACT Auditor-General's Report No 4 of 2024 - Planning and delivery of services for young people with moderate to severe mental illness in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
This proposal supports wellbeing domains of Governance and Institutions and Health. Specifically, implementing recommendations the ACT Government agreed to will contribute to sustainable improvements that will ensure the provision of safe and high-quality mental health care for young people and their families that use Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Omnibus Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs) – Health Schedules 2024
Minute number: 24/417/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health sign the Federation Funding Agreement for Specialist Dementia Care Program and finalise the negotiation and execution of five Federation Funding Agreements in consultation with the Chief Minister.
The Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs) will support the health and wellbeing of Canberrans, including by providing better care for people with dementia, reducing pressure on hospitals by expanding the walk-in centre network and decreasing hospital admissions and length of stay for older patients and supporting palliative care. They will also continue access to ongoing measures including the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Scheme and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Appointment to ACT Health System Council (Minute Number: 24/454/CAB)
- Appointment of consumer representative to the Master Builders Fidelity Fund (Minute Number: 24/445/CAB)
- Re-appointment of Chair to the Canberra Region Medical Education Council (Minute Number: 24/451/CAB)
- Labour Hire Licensing Advisory Committee – Appointment – April 2024 (Minute Number: 24/292/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.