Cabinet Decision Summary for week of 8 December 2025

Cabinet date: 10 December 2025

ACT Water Strategy 2025-45: Striking the Balance

Minute Number: 25/523

Cabinet agreed to the release of the Water Strategy 2025-45.

The ACT Water Strategy 2025-45 updates the previous ACT Water Strategy 2014-44 and sets a renewed direction for water policy in the Territory. It provides a long-term framework for achieving healthy catchments and waterbodies, sustainable and efficient use of water resources, and a community that values and enjoys clean waterways. The strategy also strengthens the commitment to partnership with Traditional Custodians and First nations peoples in caring for water. The strategy will benefit all Canberrans across a wide range of wellbeing domain areas.

A new ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2026-2036

Minute Number: 25/335

Cabinet agreed to undertake public consultation on the draft updated ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2026-2036 being prepared pursuant to the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

The updated ACT Nature Conservation Strategy is the ACT’s key policy document to guide and inform the work of the ACT Government and broader environment community to protect, conserve, and enhance nature in the ACT.

Federation Funding Agreement – Canberra Entertainment and Convention Centre Precinct and Canberra Aquatic Centre

Minute Number: 25/531/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Chief Minister signing the Schedule to the Federation Funding Agreement – Infrastructure titled National Capital Investment Framework, thereby executing the funding agreement.

Entering the FFA with the Commonwealth for the two priority projects is expected to have positive wellbeing impacts through promoting trust in the community that the ACT Government is committed to delivering quality arts and sports infrastructure.

Container Deposit Scheme Expansion

Minute Number: 25/495/CAB

Cabinet agreed to draft legislation to enable expansion of the scope of eligible beverages and containers in the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

Expanding the scope of eligible containers in the ACT CDS is anticipated to have a positive impact on the environment and climate wellbeing domain by supporting extended producer responsibility, increasing recycling, and reducing landfill and littering in the ACT.

Updates to the ACT Government Technology Investment Framework

Minute Number: 25/464/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the updates to the Technology Investment Framework to support informed government decisions on technology investment as part of the 2026-27 Budget. The core components of the Technology Investment Framework are the ACT Government’s Technology Directions, a plan to inform technology investment, a pipeline of technology projects, and a two-pass Budget business case process for proposals with technology components developed in accordance with the requirements of the annual Budget Process Rules.

The implementation of the updates to the Technology Investment Framework to support informed government decisions on technology investment as part of the 2026-27 Budget will have positive wellbeing impacts across the Governance and institutions domain.

Whole-of-government Enterprise Resource Planning Strategy

Minute Number: 25/461/CAB

Cabinet agreed to a whole-of-government approach for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) capabilities, including the next steps in the development of a modular ERP ICT solution to upgrade existing finance, health inventory and procurement management systems.

A whole-of-government approach for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) capabilities and the development of a modular ERP ICT solution will have direct positive impacts across the Governance and institutions domain.

Government Position – Territory Records (Executive Records) Amendment Bill 2025

Minute Number: 25/405/CAB

Cabinet agreed the government position on the Territory Records (Executive Records)
Amendment Bill 2025.

The government amendments to the Territory Records (Executive Records) Amendment Bill 2025 engage the governance and institutions wellbeing domain, as the Bill seeks to promote access to executive records.

Problematic Products and Single-Use Plastic Reduction Discussion Paper

Minute Number: 25/603/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water releasing A circular future for the ACT: Problematic Products and Single-Use Plastic Reduction Discussion Paper.

Releasing A circular future for the ACT: Problematic Products and Single-Use Plastic Reduction Discussion Paper will have an indirect positive impact on the environment and climate domain. The discussion paper and subsequent consultation will facilitate the next steps toward taking further action on problematic and unnecessary plastics in the ACT.

Appointments

Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:

• Appointment of Presidential Member, ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Minute Number: 25/685/CAB
• ACT Magistrates Court – Magistrate Appointment Minute Number: 25/530/CAB

Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.

Cabinet date: 12 December 2025

Government Response to Petitions E-PET-056-25 and PET-068-25 - Construct Weston Street path in Yarralumla

Minute Number: 25/684/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to petitions E-PET-056-25 and PET-068-25 regarding the construction of Weston Street path in Yarralumla.

CED is developing a four-year program for active travel projects that balances the investments in delivery of strategic projects, community requests and renewal of the existing path network. The request for a path along the southern verge of Weston Street between Hopetoun Circuit and Guilfoyle Street has been put in the list of active travel projects to be considered for future Active travel infrastructure programs.

Government Response to Petition E-PET-058-25 - Bike Pump Track / Dirt Track at Beau and Jessie Park, Banks

Minute Number: 25/683/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to petition E-PET-058-25 regarding a Bike Pump Track / Dirt Track at Beau and Jessie Park, Banks.

The ACT Government, through the City and Environment Directorate (CED) is responsible for the management of public space across the ACT, this includes skateparks, learn to ride centres, bike tracks, dog parks, community recreation parks and play spaces. The ACT Government is committed to safe, varied and inclusive play for young people within the community.

Government Response to Petitions E-PET-045 and PET-067-25 Upgrade of Duigan Street Park and Playground in Scullin

Minute Number: 25/681/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to petitions E-PET-045 and PET-067-25 regarding the upgrade of Duigan Street Park and Playground in Scullin.

The Duigan Street Park and Playground in Scullin currently suits the demographics of the area. There are no immediate plans for changing or adding to the play equipment or current infrastructure. Changes will be considered upon regular play space maintenance inspection.

Federated Funding Agreement – Building Early Education Fund

Minute Number: 25/677/CAB

Cabinet agreed the Minister for Education and Early Childhood sign the Federated Funding Agreement with the Australian Government for funding through the Building Early Education Fund.

The main wellbeing impact of this submission is education and life-long learning. There is increasingly strong evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of early years learning on outcomes later in life. While early childhood experiences do not entirely dictate future trajectories, they do create the foundations for all future learning, health, and wellbeing. Increasing the early education places available to families in the ACT supports access to important early childhood education for children, and workforce participation by parents and carers.

Government Response – Standing Committee on Economics, Industry and Recreation Report No 2 – Inquiry into Insurance Costs in the ACT

Minute Number: 25/662/CAB

Cabinet endorsed the ACT Government response to the Standing Committee on Economics, Industry and Recreation Inquiry into Insurance Costs in the ACT.

The ACT Government response to the Standing Committee on Economics, Industry and Recreation Inquiry into insurance costs in the ACT will positively impact the governance and institutions wellbeing domain by promoting transparency of government information.

Government Response to Petitions E-PET-043-25 and PET-059-25 - Install traffic lights and bus stops on Cotter Road at Amberfield Village

Minute Number: 25/619/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to Petitions E-PET-043-25 and PET-059-25 regarding the Installation traffic lights and bus stops on Cotter Road at Amberfield Village.

The safety concerns raised through petitions (E-PET-043-25 and PET-059-25) along with the potential impact through ongoing site development have resulted in issues being raised regarding the adequacy of access at the intersection of Cotter Road and Fryer Road. The ACT Government will continue to work with LDK Amberfield to address safety and access concerns associated with any upgrade to Cotter Road to enable adequate access. This upgrade work for access associated with the Amberfield Village development would be at the cost of the Lessee and would be subject to NCA Works Approval.

Government Response to Petition E-PET 031-25 - Virtual fencing trial in Canberra

Minute Number: 25/618/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to petition E-PET 031-25 regarding a virtual fencing trial in Canberra.

This proposal addresses the petition claims and provides information on the ability of the ACT Government trial virtual fencing along a section of Erindale Drive. Virtual wildlife fences are a new technology with a limited evidence base to support its effectiveness.

Government Response to Petition E-PET 048-25 – Overpass on Canberra Avenue

Minute Number: 25/617/CAB

Cabinet agreed to petition E-PET-048-25 regarding the installation of an overpass on Canberra Avenue.

Delivering the alternative to the overpass such as pedestrian signals will be a safer option for all vulnerable road users will improve the quality of life and accessibility of inner Canberra for the entire community. The construction of this signalised crossing will promote active transport within the community, supporting those that already participate in active transport as well as encouraging uptake from the broader population.

Government Response to Petitions E-PET-034-25 and PET-060-25 Safer Streets in Charnwood

Minute Number: 25/616/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to Petitions E-PET-034-25 and PET-060-25 regarding Safer Streets in Charnwood.

Cartwright Street is currently performing as intended with average traffic speed below regulatory 50km/h used across Canberra as default speed limit and has a good safety record based on the last seven years of crash data with no casualty crashes reported.

Government Response to petitions E-PET 028-25 and PET 061-25 - Habitat development in urban Canberra

Minute Number: 25/614/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to petitions E-PET 028-25 and PET 061-25 regarding habitat development in urban Canberra.

This proposal provides information on the ability of the ACT Government to reduce mowing, retain fallen timber, increase understorey planting and plant in road medians. It highlights the Government’s understanding of the critical role of urban trees in enhancing climate resilience, biodiversity, public health, and community wellbeing. The ACT Government is committed to enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience and acknowledges the value of understorey planting and habitat enhancements. These are key actions under the ACT Urban Forest Strategy and ACT Government continues to explore opportunities to reduce mowing in suitable areas, while balancing safety and maintenance needs.

ACT Government Response to Auditor General’s Report No 5 of 2025 - Specialist Assessment Services for Dementia and Cognitive Decline

Minute Number: 25/612/CAB

Cabinet agreed to the ACT Government response to the Auditor-General’s Report No. 5/2025 –Specialist Assessment Services for Dementia and Cognitive Decline.

The ACT Government Response focuses on improving Canberra Health Services (CHS) planning and delivery of specialist assessment services for dementia and cognitive decline and the management of consumer feedback. It seeks to address the health domain for the Wellbeing Framework.

Federation Funding Agreement for country of origin labelling for seafood in hospitality

Minute Number: 25/605/CAB

It was agreed that the Attorney-General, on behalf of the ACT, would co-execute the Federation Funding Agreement for the country of origin labelling for seafood in hospitality

Government consideration of the Federation Funding Agreement supports the wellbeing domain of Governance and Institutions.

Building the ACT’s Biosecurity Capability in a Changing Threat Environment

Minute Number: 25/529/CAB

Cabinet agreed to develop a plan to guide whole of government actions for implementing the National Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2032 (National Strategy).

Biosecurity threats and risks have the potential to cause harm to several wellbeing domains including the economy, environmental and climate, health, and government and institutions. The Government will continue to work as part of a national effort to prevent biosecurity incursions and respond quickly as part of nationally coordinated response arrangements.

Appointments

Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:

• Appointment of Employee Representative to the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority (TFA) Board Minute Number: 25/703/CAB
• ACT Long Service Leave Authority Governing Board – Chair Appointment January 2026 Minute Number: 25/670/CAB
• Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) Board Appointments Minute Number: 25/611/CAB
• Appointments to the Registration Standards Advisory Board 2026-2029 Minute Number: 25/562/CAB
• Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Appointments 2025 Minute Number: 25/199/CAB

Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.