Summary of Cabinet Outcomes for week of 9 November 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

The Budget Subcommittee of Cabinet met to discuss issues of importance to the ACT budget, including proposals for the 2016-17 Budget.

Government Response to the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services Report No. 6 of 2015: Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) Amendment Bill and related discussion paper

Cabinet considered the Government’s response to the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing, Community and Social Service’s report on the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) exposure draft bill.  Cabinet endorsed a response to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly during the week of 16 November 2015.

Draft Variation to the Territory Plan No. 343 – Residential blocks surrendered under the loose fill asbestos insulation eradication scheme

Cabinet endorsed the Government’s response to the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment, and Territory and Municipal Services’ report on Draft Variation 343.  Draft Variation 343 concerned planning changes required to deal with residential blocks surrendered to the Government under the loose fill asbestos eradication scheme.

Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 2)

Cabinet agreed the Minister for Planning table the Planning, Building, and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 2) in the November sittings of the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill contains technical amendments to a range of planning and environmental legislation. 

ACT Active Ageing Framework 2015–2018 and associated Action Plan

Cabinet agreed the Active Ageing framework 2015-2018 be tabled in the Legislative Assembly during the November sitting period.
Amendment of Section 101 Terrorism (Extraordinary Temporary Powers) Act 2006 and Statutory Review
Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General table the Terrorism (Extraordinary Temporary Powers) Amendment Bill and a review of the legislation in the November sittings of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill extends the operation of the Terrorism (Extraordinary Temporary Powers) Act 2006 for a further five years to 21 November 2021. Cabinet noted, however, that Minister Rattenbury does not support the Bill consistent with his previous position on these matters.

Powers of Attorney Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General present the Powers of Attorney Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill makes amendments to facilitate participation in medical research by people who have powers of attorney in place for health decisions.

Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed the Minister for Justice present the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly during the November sitting period.  The Bill contains amendments to facilitate interstate recognition of parenting orders, change the way name changes may be recorded on birth certificates, removes gender specific terms from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997 and the Parentage Act 2004, allows the issuing of recognised details certificates and the issuance of proof of identity cards.

Workers Compensation Improvement Strategies

Cabinet noted an update on the Justice and Community Safety Directorate’s progress towards meeting key performance targets for workers’ compensation claims.

Ministerial statements

Cabinet agreed that a statement be made in the Legislative Assembly providing a progress update on homelessness services.

Appointments

Cabinet endorsed a number of proposed appointments to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Cabinet Secretary