Government Response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Inquiry into the Freedom of Information Act 1989

Cabinet agreed the Government Response to the Standing Committee's Report No 5 of 2011 covering statutory reform and information publication which confirms the Government's commitment to open government.  A copy of the Minister's tabling statement and report are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly Website.

ACT Services Access Card

Asylum seekers in the ACT are entitled to access ACT Government services. Cabinet agreed to a trial of an ACT Services Access Card (Access Card) which will assist asylum seekers to gain ready access to ACT Government services. The Access Card will be administered by a non-government organisation and the outcomes of the trial will be reported back to the Government.  Work on the implementation process has commenced.

Report on the Scoping Study for Specialist After School and Vacation Care for Children with Disability

Cabinet agreed to the tabling of the scoping study report for the provision of specialist after school and vacation care support for children and young people with complex behaviour associated with autism and other developmental delays.  The report estimates demand for after school care and vacation support, examines drivers of demand and identifies options to address unmet need.  The government has announced six new out of school hours services for children and young people with a disability. A copy of the Community Services Minister's tabling statement and report are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly Website.

Prohibition of Smoking in Cars with Children

Cabinet agreed the introduction of the Smoking in Cares with Children (Prohibition) Bill 2011 which bans smoking in cars where people under the age of 16 are present. A copy of the Bill and the Health Minister's tabling statement is available on the ACT Legislative Assembly Website.

Evidence Amendment Bill 2011

The Evidence Amendment Bill is the third in a suite of four Bills previously agreed by Cabinet which sees the adoption of the Standing Committee of Attorney's-General agreed Model Uniform Evidence legislation.  In this case, the model legislation covers professional confidential relationship privilege.  Cabinet agreed to introduction of amendments to the ACT Evidence Act 2011 to establish specific journalist privilege. A copy of the Bill is available on the ACT Legislative Assembly Website.

Report on Prisoner Capacity Demands at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC)

In response to a motion passed in the Assembly on 9 March 2011, Cabinet agreed the Government's response to questions raised regarding detainee capacity at the AMC and rehabilitation program delivery, both within the AMC and within the community.  A copy of the Attorney's tabling statement and report are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly Website.

Appointments

Cabinet agreed the following appointments:

ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

Mr Mark Rolfe as Deputy Chairperson of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission Governing Board for the period commencing 18 September 2011 until 17 September 2014; and Dr Mark Doverty as a member of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission Governing Board for the period commencing 12 September 2011 until 11 September 2014.

Victims of Crime Commissioner

Cabinet endorsed the appointment of Mr John Hinchey as the full time Victims of Crime Commissioner and Domestic Violence Project Coordinator for a period of five years commencing on 1 September 2011 and ending on 31 August 2016.

ACT Climate Change Council

The Minister will announce the appointments following consultation with the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and Water.

Secretary to Cabinet