3 June 2024
Cabinet decision summary for the week of 3 June 2024
Cabinet date: 3 June 2024
Proposed Government Amendments to the Human Rights (Healthy Environment) Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 24/185/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government Response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Report No 22 - Inquiry into the Human Rights (Healthy Environment) Amendment Bill 2023 and to Government amendments to that Bill.
The Government response contributes to the wellbeing outcome of Governance and Institutions by supporting the positive culture of human rights across government and the broader ACT community by promoting ongoing engagement with human rights legislation and opportunities to strengthen it.
Government Amendments to the Gaming Machine (Compulsory Surrender) Amendment Bill 2024
Minute Number: 24/321/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Gaming moving Government amendments to the Gaming Machine (Compulsory Surrender) Amendment Bill 2024 in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The government amendments have a wellbeing impact on the governance and institutions domain.
Maternal, Child and Family Health Report – Canberra Health Services
Minute Number: 24/165/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health table the Maternal, Child and Family Health Report in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Maternal and Child Health (MACH) universal first home visits and health and development checks can significantly enhance early childhood development. MACH services have a major positive and sustainable impact through providing crucial assessments and early interventions tailored to individual needs; potentially mitigating longer term child health and development issues while optimising the health and wellbeing of the child and family. MACH services promote parental engagement and education, whilst fostering a supportive environment conducive to the child’s overall wellbeing and future success. Providing parental support and education can empower individuals to make informed decisions, navigate challenges more effectively, enhance their skills, and improve their overall wellbeing. The ASK MACH pilot provided sporadic minor impact and was not sustainable.
Government Amendments to the Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2024 (No 2)
Minute Number: 24/331/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Children, Youth and Family Services introduce Government Amendments to the Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2024 (No 2) in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The government amendments deliver key legislative changes following the decision of Acting Justice Curtin in the Supreme Court decision, Kelley Jeffries (a pseudonym) v ACT; Sabrine Cooke (a pseudonym) (by her litigation guardian Kelley Jeffries (a pseudonym)) v ACT [2023] ACTSC 239. These amendments strive to improve trust and transparency in the ACT’s child protection system by facilitating the sharing of relevant protected or sensitive information in historical abuse civil claims and proceedings involving the Territory as a respondent. The Bill also promotes the safety of victim survivors by strengthening the Territory’s ability to alleviate the impact of past and future abuse of children and young people in the context of the care and protection system.
National Agreement on Housing and Homelessness (NASHH) and National Housing and Homelessness Plan (NHHP)
Minute Number: 24/359/CAB
Cabinet noted the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development will sign the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness (NASHH) by 31 May 2024 and agreed the Minister sign the Housing Support Program Priority Works Stream Federation Funding Agreement by 7 June 2024. Cabinet agreed the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development can sign the National Housing and Homelessness Plan (NHHP) subject to agreeing any final changes with the Chief Minister.
The NASHH positively impacts wellbeing in the housing and home domain by providing Commonwealth funding for social housing and homelessness services to people in the ACT experiencing disadvantage. Secure, suitable and affordable accommodation is essential to health and wellbeing, an aspiration consistent with the NHHP.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointment:
- Work Health and Safety Council Member and Acting Member Appointments (Minute Number: 24/314-2/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.