SUMMARY OF CABINET OUTCOMES 23 MARCH 2015

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.

Committees of Cabinet

A Transport Reform Subcommittee of Cabinet meeting was convened. Ministers and relevant Directors-General discussed options to improve the community's transport experience.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Partnership

Cabinet agreed to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Partnership 2015–2018. The partnership aims to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over-representation as both victims and offenders in the criminal justice system.

Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to the presentation of the Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly during the March 2015 sitting period. The Bill includes minor amendments to a variety of justice and community safety legislation, such as:

• amendments to promote the integrity of the coronial process and provide the privilege against self-incrimination to ensure that witnesses' right to silence is protected;
• amendments to the Public Trustee Act and Guardianship and Management of Property Act to provide additional protection and accountability for the asset management of vulnerable Canberrans; and
• amendment to the Utilities Act to improve protection of personal information acquired by utility providers in the provision of their services.

Human Rights Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to the presentation of the Human Rights Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly during the March sitting period. The Bill includes a variety of amendments to the Human Rights Act 2004, such as:

• extension of the application of obligations on public authorities to the right to education;
• inclusion of a note that indicates that children are to be treated as individuals in their own right and enjoy the full range of rights in the Act;
• recognition in the Act that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold distinct cultural rights and distinctive spiritual practices, observances, beliefs and teachings; and
• amendment to the preamble of the Act to change a reference to 'Indigenous people' to 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'.

Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to the presentation of the Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 1) to the Legislative Assembly during the March 2015 sitting period. This is an omnibus bill that makes minor policy, technical and editorial amendments to legislation within the Environment and Planning portfolio.

The key change relates to scenarios where the removal of asbestos also involves building work, that is, structural changes to a building. The bill makes it clear that in these scenarios the building work must be authorised by relevant building licences and approvals under building laws.  For example, there must be a builder's licence under the Construction Occupations Licensing Act as well as an asbestos removalist licence. 

Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 1)

Cabinet agreed to the presentation of the Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 1) in the Legislative Assembly during the March 2015 sitting period. The Bill proposes legislation changes to improve the operations of the Children and Young People Death Review Committee.

Ministerial Statements

Cabinet agreed to a number of Ministerial Statements to the Legislative Assembly.

Reappointments to the Racing Appeals Tribunal

Cabinet endorsed the proposed reappointment of two Members of the Racing Appeals Tribunal for a period of three years from the day after notification, subject to consultation with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Cabinet Secretary