12 May 2014 - Summary of Cabinet Outcomes

As part of the ACT Government’s Open Government commitment, these are public summaries of matters considered by Cabinet. They are not intended to be a detailed set of minutes and do 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.

Committees of Cabinet

A Budget Committee of Cabinet meeting was convened.  Treasury officials joined with Ministers to discuss matters of economic and fiscal significance.

Government Position on Executive Members Business – Officers of the Assembly Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to support the Executive Member's Bill, Officers of the Legislative Assembly Amendment Bill 2013 which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 10 April 2014, subject to amendments to better reflect the Financial Management Act 1996 provisions that apply to officers.  As proponent of the Bill, the Greens Minster was not party to discussion or decision on the Government's position.

Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to introduce the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Amendment Bill 2014 following an extensive review of the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994. The Bill addresses major changes to the delivery of mental health services including the international move to recognise decision making capacity and human rights advances, which aim to improve the participation of people with mental illness in the community, including in employment and social inclusion initiatives.

The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.

Project Agreement for the Expansion of the BreastScreen Australia Program

Cabinet agreed to the Minister for Health signing the Project Agreement for the Expansion of the BreastScreen Australia Program which supports the delivery of additional BreastScreen services to women 70-74 years of age.

Government Response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Cabinet agreed to the Government response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on the Inquiry into the Appropriation Bill 2013-2014 (No. 2) and Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2013-2014 (No. 2) which were introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 20 March 2014. Cabinet agreed the Treasurer table the Government response in the Legislative Assembly during the May sitting.

Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to introduce the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 which amends the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 to enable improved safety of all road users by targeting high-risk driving behaviour. The Bill introduces aggravating factors for the offence of furious, reckless or dangerous driving with a higher maximum penalty where a person is convicted of the aggravated offence.

The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.

Ministerial Statement – Out of Home Care Strategy

Cabinet agreed to the Minister for Disability, Children and Young People making a ministerial statement on the progress of the Out of Home Care Strategy.  The statement will be available in Hansard.

Directorate Resource Management Plans

Cabinet noted that all ACT Government directorates have final Resource Management Plans in place which acknowledges the important step towards progressing Carbon Neutral ACT Government Framework actions across the ACT Public Service.

Appointments

Lifetime Care and Support Commissioner of the Australian Capital Territory

Cabinet agreed to endorse the appointment of Ms Karen Doran, as the Lifetime Care and Support Commissioner of the Australian Capital Territory for a period of two years.

Additional Supreme Court Judge Appointment

Cabinet agreed to endorse an appointment for an additional part-time Supreme Court judge.

Cabinet Secretary