Urban Development Committee

Prior to the Cabinet, meetings of the Urban Development Committee and Budget Cabinet were held.  Relevant officials joined with Ministers to discuss matters of significance.

Committee of Cabinet discussions, in part, inform the subsequent decisions of Cabinet.

Council of Australian Governments

Cabinet discussed the ACT's position for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, scheduled for Friday 19 August 2011.  Further information on the outcomes of the meeting can be found on the COAG website .

Victoria Bushfire Royal Commission

Cabinet noted a range of initiatives which have been developed and implemented by the ACT Government in the context of the lessons learnt from the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC).  These initiatives will support the preparatory work in the lead up to the next bushfire season, including clarifying the role of the ACT Emergency Services Commissioner. The Government's response to the VBRC Report can be found on the Justice and Community Safety Directorate Website .

ACT Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Strategy

Cabinet agreed the release of the Strategy – Our Responsibility: Ending Violence against Women and Children, The ACT Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Strategy 2011-2017.  The Strategy aligns with the national plan to reduce violence against women and children, endorsed by all jurisdictions and released earlier this year.  The Strategy is available at Women ACT , the ACT Government's new online information service for women and girls.

Crimes (Certain Penalties Increases) Amendment Bill

Cabinet agreed the introduction of the Crimes (Certain Penalty Increases) Amendment Bill 2011 which seeks to make amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 to raise the maximum penalties for the following offences:

• culpable driving causing death
• culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm
• intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm
• recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm; and
• negligently inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Crimes (Protection of Witness Identity) Bill

Cabinet agreed the introduction of the Crimes (Protection of Witness Identity) Bill 2011. The Bill is the fourth and final piece of legislation in the suite of laws implementing model Cross Border Investigative Powers. The Bill will provide a scheme to protect the identities of undercover operatives both within the ACT and in other jurisdictions, in the context of court proceedings.

Calvary Public Hospital Options

Cabinet agreed the ACT Government response to the Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services: Calvary Public Hospital Options. The Government response will be available from the Standing Committee's website following tabling.

Food (Nutritional Information) Amendment Bill 2011

Cabinet agreed the ACT Government position on the Private Members Bill, introduced in the Assembly by the ACT Greens.

Appointments

Cabinet agreed the following appointments:

ACT Veterans Advisory Council

For a period of two years: Louise Nicholls, Suzanne McGuiness Butler, Gerard Mappstone, Pete Ryan, Christopher Hudson, Brian Edwards and Kathryn Spurling.

ACT Bushfire Council

The Minister will announce the appointments following consultation with the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety.

Cultural Facilities Corporation

The Minister will announce the appointment following the consultation with the Standing Committee on Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

Secretary to Cabinet