20 October 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.

Dangerous Substances (Asbestos Safety Reform) Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to amend the Dangerous Substances Act 2004, the Dangerous Substances Regulation 2004 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 to adopt nationally agreed model regulations on asbestos and to make consequential changes to related laws in order to effectively implement the model regulations. It was agreed for the Bill to be introduced in the October 2014 sittings of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Food Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed that the Food Amendment Bill 2014 include amendments to implement deregulatory measures including: removing food-related activities of not-for-profit community organisations conducted for fundraising purposes; removing the notification requirement on food businesses that are exempt from registration; and allowing for multi-year registrations. It was agreed for the Bill to be introduced by the Minister for Health. The Bill will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

A Judicial Complaints Framework for the ACT

Cabinet agreed that the Judicial Commissions Amendment Bill 2014 be drafted to create a statutory framework for handling complaints against judges and magistrates in the ACT, including establishing and empowering a part-time judicial council, and establishing a separate process for complaints against ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal presidential members.

Catchment Management Governance

Cabinet agreed in-principle to the establishment of an inter-jurisdictional body (to be known as the ACT and Region Catchment Management Coordination Group) as the preferred option for catchment management governance. Cabinet agreed to the Group commencing immediately to ensure continuing progress on catchment governance, with a view to establishment as a statutory body under the Water Resources Act 2007.

Approval of Capital Metro Expression of Interest Documents

The Capital Metro Sub-Committee of Cabinet agreed to release to the market the invitation for Expressions of Interest along with the Evaluation Plan, which describes the processes and procedures that will apply in the evaluation of Expressions of Interest.

Exhibition Park Corporation Repeal Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Tourism and Events present the Exhibition Park Corporation Repeal Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly. The Repeal Bill will facilitate the integration of the functions of the Exhibition Park Corporation into the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation to the Assembly.

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (ACT) Bill 2014 – Agreement to Introduce

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for the Environment present the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (ACT) Bill 2014 to the Legislative Assembly and to offer a briefing on the Bill, by officers of the Environment and Planning Directorate, to the ACT Greens MLA and Opposition MLAs if requested. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation to the Assembly.

Capital Metro Early Design Consultation Report

Cabinet noted the outcomes from the Capital Metro Early Design Consultation conducted by the Capital Metro Agency. Cabinet agreed to the public release of the Capital Metro Early Design Consultation report as part of the Summary of Cabinet Outcomes, in addition to a Ministerial media release and publication on the Capital Metro website.

Light Rail Master Plan: Preliminary Options and Considerations

Cabinet noted the background briefing provided by officials.

Cabinet Secretary