27 June 2011
Summary of Cabinet outcomes
As part of the ACT Government's Open Government commitment, this is a public summary of matters considered by Cabinet. It is not intended to be a detailed set of minutes and does not cover all matters considered by Cabinet. Among the matters not covered are materials considered in the formation of the ACT budget, commercial and industrial matters under negotiation as well as matters that would impact personal privacy, security and the ACT economy. Nothing in this document can be considered a waiver of the Government's executive privilege.
Review of Operation of the Territory Records Act 2002
Cabinet agreed to a report detailing the progress and effectiveness of implementing the recommendations from the Review of the Operation of the Territory Records Act 2002. The report will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. The review looked at implementing better records management for the ACT.
Evaluation reports into the ACT's mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention framework and its suicide prevention strategy
Cabinet noted the findings from the first year's evaluation of two activities relating to the promotion of mental health and suicide prevention. It agreed to table both evaluation reports in the Legislative Assembly. The reports are:
- Building A Strong Foundation: Evaluation Report 2009-2010; and
- Managing the Risk of Suicide: Evaluation Report 2009-2010.
Direct Sale of Land to ALDI Foods Pty Ltd
Cabinet agreed to the direct sale of a lease in Chisholm to ALDI Foods Pty Ltd, at market rates, in line with the ACT Supermarket Policy which supports greater competition.
ACT Applications for funding under the National Rental Affordability Scheme
Cabinet agreed to support three ACT applications to the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). The applications are now subject to final approval by the Commonwealth Government. If successful, the applications would increase the stock of affordable housing by close to 1000 dwelling units.
Health and Safety Issues at the Narrabundah Long Stay Park
Following an audit of the residences, Cabinet agreed to an implementation plan to address health and safety issues at the Narrabundah Long Stay Park. The Government will meet with individual owners and residents of the Park to assist with any necessary modifications to the properties, and the replacement of mobile homes where modifications are not feasible.
Governance Arrangements for the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Economic Development Directorate (EDD) Portfolio
Cabinet discussed the governance arrangements for the LDA and its working relationship with the new EDD structure. A governing board for the LDA is the preferred governance model working more closely with the Director-General of the EDD. The extent and timelines of governance documents, including Statement of Intent, were also discussed and improvements agreed.
Compatibility of Bills with the Human Rights Act 2004
Cabinet agreed that compatibility with the Human Rights Act 2001 (ACT) HRA must be addressed in the explanatory statement for every bill presented in the Legislative Assembly.
Knowledge Consulting Reports on the Alexander Maconochie Centre
Cabinet agreed to present the Government Response to the Knowledge Consulting Reports on the Alexander Maconochie Centre, including:
- Review of Operations of the Alexander Maconochie Centre; and
- Review ACT Corrective Services Governance including in relation to Drug Testing at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
Burnet Institute Report on the Alexander Maconochie Centre Drug Policies
Cabinet agreed to present the ACT Government Response to the Burnet Institute Report. The Report evaluated Alexander Maconochie Centre's drug policies and services and their subsequent effects on prisoners and staff.
ACT Asbestos Management Review
Cabinet discussed future arrangements for co-ordination of asbestos management in response to the ACT Asbestos Management Review (2010) Report. It was noted that the ACT's regime is recognised as one of the best in Australia.
Cabinet agreed to the tabling of the Government's response to the Report in the Legislative Assembly.
Annual Report on the Canberra Plan
Cabinet discussed in detail the Government's annual report of the Canberra Plan - Towards Our Second Century and the Government's achievements over the past 12 months.
Select Committee on Estimates Report into the Appropriation Bill 2011-12
Cabinet discussed in detail the Government Response to the Select Committee on Estimates Report into the Appropriation Bill 2011-12 and agreed to present it to the Legislative Assembly.
Greens' amendments to the Electricity Feed-in (Renewable Energy Premium) Act 2008
Cabinet agreed to oppose the amendments proposed by Mr Rattenbury.
Land Development Agency Board
Cabinet endorsed the appointment of Ms Sandra Lambert as a member of the Land Development Agency Board for the period 1 July 2011 through to 30 June 2014.
Legislation
Cabinet agreed to present the following bills during the sitting week 28- 30 June 2011:
- the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Amendment Bill 2011 which would establish the legislative framework for the operation of point-to-point speed cameras;
- the Security Industry Amendment Bill 2011 giving effect to national reforms of the security industry; and
- the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 2011.