22 September 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.

Elevated National Threat Level

Cabinet received a briefing from the Chief Police Office and ASIO Officials in relation to the current national threat level and changes to the National Terrorism Public Alert System.  Cabinet was briefed on the effect of this change on the Canberra community, and Canberra's role as the nation's capital.

Emergencies Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to the Emergencies Amendment Bill 2014, which includes amendments to the Emergencies Act 2014 to address a number of inconsistencies, ambiguities and deficiencies, and to improve the operation of the Act and the management of emergencies in the ACT.  It was agreed for the Bill to be introduced in the September 2014 sittings so that the amendments can be implemented prior to the 2014-15 summer season. The Bill will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Government Submission to Review of the National Triple Zero (000) Operator

Cabinet agreed to the Government response to the Review of the National Triple Zero (000) Operator and to the continued participation in the review by ESA and ACT Policing. It was agreed that the Government response be provided to the Commonwealth Department of Communications. Submissions will be published on the review website.

Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP)

Cabinet noted and agreed to the Strategic Bushfire Management Plan Version 3, which is the overarching document that directs all levels of bushfire planning and management in the ACT.  Version 3 of the SBMP refers to Bushfire Prone Areas in urban areas adjacent to bush and grassland for the first time.  The SBMP will be made publicly available on the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.

Reforms to the Public Baths and Public Bathing Act 1956

Cabinet agreed to repeal Part 1 and Part 2 of the Public Baths and Public Bathing Act 1956 and the drafting of new legislation to establish a modern administrative framework to support contemporary management practices for Territory owned pools. Cabinet noted that further policy work and engagement with key stakeholders may be required to develop a legislative regime that demonstrates national best practice.

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to the drafting of the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill to include amendments to several Acts to address criminal justice issues including introduction of new offences on voyeurism and some minor red tape reduction. Cabinet noted that the Attorney-General will bring forward an Assembly Business Paper later in the year.

Domestic Animals (Breeding) Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed to amendments being drafted to the Animal Welfare Act 1992 and Domestic Animals Act 2000 to regulate the breeding and sale of cats and dogs in the ACT, including the introduction of a breeder licence scheme.  Cabinet noted that the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services will bring forward an Assembly Business Paper in September 2014.

National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects

Cabinet agreed to enter into the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects subject to the outcome of negotiations between the states and territories and the Commonwealth on a number of administrative requirements. The agreement is to be considered by COAG on 7 October 2014.  It was agreed that the Chief Minister would sign the final National Partnership Agreement when received from the Commonwealth Government.

Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (No 2)

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Planning present the Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (No 2) to the Legislative Assembly.  The omnibus bill proposes minor policy, technical and editorial amendments to the Building Act 2004, the Planning and Development Act 2007 and the Planning and Development Regulation 2008.  The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Training and Tertiary Education Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Education and Training present the Training and Tertiary Education Amendment Bill 2014 in the Legislative Assembly.  The bill aligns ACT legislation with relevant Commonwealth legislation.  The amendment will enable ACT legislation to better reflect the ACT's position within the national vocational education and training, and higher education systems. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

Getting Home Safety Report Update

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations make a Ministerial Statement to the Legislative Assembly during the sitting week of 22 September to update the progress of implementing the recommendations from the report 'Getting Home Safely: Inquiry into Compliance with Work Health and Safety Requirements in the ACT's Construction Industry'. The Ministerial Statement will be available in Hansard.

Workers Compensation (Cross-border Workers) Amendment Bill 2014

Cabinet agreed that the Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations present the Workers Compensation (Cross-border Workers) Amendment Bill 2014. The Bill and explanatory statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following presentation.

ACTION Expenditure Review

Cabinet noted the status of the ACTION Expenditure Review, including the report on the current status of public transport bus service provision and the ACTION business. Cabinet also noted the further areas of work to be explored in more details as part of the Review.

Parking in the Parliamentary Triangle

Cabinet noted actions the National Capital Authority is taking to implement pay parking in the Parliamentary Triangle, which will be enforced from 1 October 2014.

Appointments

ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Related Diseases

Cabinet agreed to endorse the appointment of Mr Sione Crowford to the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Related Diseases for a period of four years from the day after notification.

Board of Senior Secondary Studies

Cabinet agreed to endorse the re-appointment of both the Chair and a member to the Board of Senior Secondary Studies, subject to Standing Committee consultation.

Children and Young People Child Death Review Committee

Cabinet agreed to endorse the appointment of ten members to the Children and Young People Death Review Committee, subject to Standing Committee consultation.

Cabinet Secretary