24 November 2014 - Summary of Cabinet Outcomes

As part of the ACT Government's Open Government commitment, this document 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 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.

Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Amendment Bill

Cabinet agreed to the drafting of an Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Amendment Bill 2014, which will facilitate whole of government reporting, extend the timing of annual report submissions and allow for consolidation of annual report requirements into the one piece of legislation.

Asset Recycling Proposal – Stage 1

Cabinet discussed the ACT's proposal to the Commonwealth's National Partnership Agreement on Asset Recycling.

Human Rights Act 2004 – Review

Cabinet discussed issues around the Human Rights Act and agreed that the Attorney-General table the Review Report, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Human Rights Act 2004: Section 43 Review in the Legislative Assembly.

Electoral Reforms 2014

Cabinet discussed the Government response to the report of the Select Committee on Amendments to the Electoral Act 1992 and the Report to the Legislative Assembly on proposed changes to the Electoral Act 1992:  response to the Voting Matters report and further campaign finance reform issues: 2014.

The ACT Greens member expressed a dissenting view.

Electricity Supply

Cabinet discussed the ACT's electricity supply.

Planning and Development (Capital Metro) Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet discussed amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2007 to facilitate the timely completion of the Capital Metro light rail project.

Public Sector Bill 2014 – Agreement to Introduce

Cabinet agreed to present the Public Sector Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly in the November sitting period. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 – Agreement to Introduce

Cabinet agreed to present the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly in the November sitting period. The Bill addresses a number of criminal justice issues that have arisen in the ACT. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Judicial Commissions Amendment Bill 2014 – Agreement to Introduce

Cabinet agreed to present the Judicial Commissions Amendment Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly in the November sitting period. The Bill creates statutory frameworks for handling complaints against judges, magistrates and Presidential Tribunal members in the ACT. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Ministerial Statement on the Update of the Whole of Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs present a Ministerial Statement on the Update of the Whole of Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement in the Legislative Assembly during the November sitting period. The Ministerial Statement will be available in Hansard.

Public Pools Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to present the Public Pools Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly in the November sitting period. The Bill provides for the establishment of a modern administrative framework that supports contemporary management practices for Territory-owned public pools. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Appointments

Medicines Advisory Council

Cabinet agreed to endorse the appointment of three members to the Medicines Advisory Committee, subject to Standing Committee consultation.

Cabinet Secretary