26 February 2024
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 26 February 2024
Cabinet date: 29 February 2024
Partnership Agreement for Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031
Minute Number: 24/035/CAB
Cabinet agreed to endorse the Partnership Agreement for Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031, subject to future information being presented on resourcing requirements.
The ACT Government’s endorsement of the Partnership Agreement will support positive impacts for the ACT community across the wellbeing domain of identity and belonging.
(ERC) Housing and Consumer Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 – Policy Approval – Sex Work Act 1992 reforms
Minute Number: 23/733/CAB
Cabinet agreed to provide policy approval for an omnibus housing and consumer affairs legislation amendment bill.
The Bill will have significant positive impacts in the housing and home domain by improving renters’ rights. It will also have significant positive impacts in the safety domain by increasing protections for victim / survivors of domestic violence through streamlining the process in which they can end their tenancy. In addition, it will have positive impacts in the economy domain by introducing a range of deregulatory measures.
Access Canberra Business and Regulatory Improvement Program – Third Progress Update
Minute Number: 23/635/CAB
Cabinet agreed, as part of the Access Canberra Business and Regulatory Improvement Program, an activity-based costing approach for quantifying costs associated with customer services, with the proposed cost model to undergo a 12-month trial.
The submission proposal will have a positive impact to the domain of Governance and Institutions, and related domains of Access and Connectivity, and Time, Safety and Economy
ACT Government Submission to Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion’s Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/858/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government Submission to the Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion’s Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT.
Reducing loneliness and improving social connection positively impacts the wellbeing of all Canberrans. Greater positive impact is expected for groups which are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. This includes younger people (18-29 years old), people born overseas (particularly in non-English speaking countries), LGBTIQ+ people, carers, people with disability, people living alone, and people experiencing financial hardship.
Cemeteries and Crematoria Amendment Bill 2024 – Combined Pass
Minute Number: 23/862/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for City Services introduce the Cemeteries and Crematoria Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) to the ACT Legislative Assembly to resolve a technical inconsistency of financial liability for the future maintenance of closed facilities.
The Bill predominantly addresses the Governance and Institutions domain. The proposed amendments will provide clarity in the interpretation and application of legislation that is relied on in the provision of Cemeteries and Crematoria long-term maintenance services for the Canberra community.
ACT Brumbies Performance Partnership Agreement 2024
Minute Number: 23/899/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Trade, Investment and Economic Development finalise a one-year agreement with the ACT Brumbies and a one-year apparel asset sponsorship for the 2024 season.
The ACT Brumbies will have a positive impact on the economy by creating economic activity through the delivery and hosting of locally based Rugby, both men’s and women’s, sporting content. Home games played in the ACT deliver broader economic benefits to the Territory through direct employment, match day related activity, community development activities and tourism.
Emissions-based registration - transition
Minute Number: 23/901/CAB
Cabinet agreed to augment the transition that will be used to implement an emissions-based registration scheme for light vehicles.
This proposal benefits the environment through reduced particulate pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Lower emissions vehicles are lower cost to run and provide health benefits across the community through reduced noxious gases and particulates.
GSO Fair Go Classification Review – Updated United Workers Union (UWU) claim
Minute Number: 24/139/CAB
Cabinet agreed to implement initiatives responding to the United Workers Union claims relating to Building Services Officers under the ACT Public Sector Infrastructure Services Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026.
Implementing the outcomes of the Fair Go Classification Review will have major wellbeing impacts on the economy helping support the reduction in income inequality experienced across the ACT by lifting the salaries of the ACT Public Sector’s lowest paid workers.
Fair Go for GSO Report Update
Minute Number: 24/134/CAB
Cabinet agreed to release to the bargaining parties the Fair Go Classification Review Report - Phase 1 in accordance with the terms of the ACT Public Sector Infrastructure Services Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
National Health Reform Agreement Addendum 2025-30 Negotiations and Health Funding Model Principles
Minute Number: 23/838/CAB
Cabinet agreed the health funding model for the 2024-25 Budget, and agreed in principle that the ACT proceed with negotiation of the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum for 2025-2030.
Increased funding through the NHRA will have a direct positive wellbeing impact in the Health domain. Additional funding will support increases in service delivery across public hospitals and community-based health services.
Cabinet date: 3 March 2024
ACT Government Submission on Cyber Security Legislative Reforms
Minute Number: 24/085/CAB
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government Submission on the Commonwealth Cyber Security Legislative Reforms Consultation Paper.
The government submission on the Commonwealth Cyber Security Legislative Reforms Consultation Paper aligns to the Governance and Institutions wellbeing domain.
University of Canberra Amendment Bill 2024
Minute Number: 24/050/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Trade, Investment and Economic Development present the University of Canberra Amendment Bill 2024 to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Policy Approval was agreed by Cabinet on 8 December 2023 (Minute Number: 23/796/CAB University of Canberra Amendment Bill 2024 - Policy Approval).
The University of Canberra Amendment Bill 2024 supports the wellbeing domain of Governance and institutions: Trust in other institutions by improving the ability of the University of Canberra Council to delegate its functions, and persons to subdelegate those functions, to effectively manage the university’s critical functions.
Assembly Update – Physical Activities and Excursions Policies – Post Implementation Review
Minute Number: 24/041/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs provide the Physical Activities and Excursions Policy – Post Implementation Review Summary Report (the Report) and Ministerial Statement to the ACT Legislative Assembly as required by the Coroner’s recommendations.
Responding to the Coroner’s recommendations will improve safety for children and young people in our public schools and improve community confidence that the Education Directorate has strong safety systems in place.
Annual Statement on the Status of Women and Girls in the ACT 2024
Minute Number: 23/906/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Women deliver an Annual Statement on the status of women and girls in the ACT 2024 to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Annual Statement on the status of women and girls in the ACT 2024 addresses the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving gender equality in the ACT, promoting the equal participation of women and girls in the community. The Annual Statement addresses the Wellbeing Domains of Identity and Belonging, Health, Economy, Living Standards, Education and Life-long Learning, Safety, Housing and Home, and Access and Connectivity.
Human Rights Commission (Child Safe Standards) Amendment Bill 2024 – Agreement to Introduce
Minute Number: 23/864/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Children, Youth and Family Services present the Human Rights Commission (Child Safe Standards) Amendment Bill 2024 to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The establishment of the Child Safe Standards Scheme addresses the wellbeing domains of Safety and Identity and Belonging, particularly for children and young people.
Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024 – Agreement to Introduce
Minute Number: 23/570/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Government Services and Regulatory Reform present the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024 to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Policy Approval was agreed by Cabinet on 27 November 2023 (Minute Number: 23/569/CAB Policy approval for Better Regulation Night-Time Economy Amendment Bill 2024, and other reforms).
A key wellbeing impact of a dynamic night-time economy (NTE) flows from the employment it generates. The NTE consists not only of bars, restaurants, and late-night entertainment, which are traditionally seen as ‘core’ NTE activities, but also includes people working shifts at hospitals, in transportation, the gig economy, emergency services, policing, cleaning, postal work, gyms, entertainment, and sex workers. The NTE also relies on support and supply services from businesses that operate during the daytime, generating further employment with associated wellbeing benefits. The second major set of wellbeing benefits accrues to the consumers of the various food, drink, retail, entertainment, and cultural offerings that become available as the night-time economy diversifies and expands. Access to better night-time amenity and leisure options supports mental health and social connection, as people mingle and meet. Greater diversity of options and offerings also ensures people from different social and cultural groups can access and exercise choices that ultimately make them feel more welcome, included, and safer in the community. Put together, these two sets of wellbeing benefits work to support community wellbeing as a whole and make the ACT a more attractive place to visit, study and live. The long term wellbeing benefits from greater place attachment could be significant and create greater social cohesion than would otherwise be the case.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Suburban Land Agency Board Chair Appointment (Minute Number: 24/079/CAB)
- Appointment to the Racing Appeals Tribunal (Minute Number: 23/893/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.