SUMMARY OF CABINET OUTCOMES FOR 21 SEPTEMBER 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 Budget Committee of Cabinet meeting was convened. Ministers met with Treasury officials to discuss matters of fiscal importance to the ACT.

Building (Loose-fill Asbestos Eradication) Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to introduction of the Building (Loose-fill Asbestos Eradication) Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. The Bill makes amendments to support the implementation of the demolition component of the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme, and the re-sale of the cleared blocks.

Government Response to the Auditor-General’s Performance Audit Report No. 4/2015 – ACT Government Support to the University of Canberra for affordable student accommodation

Cabinet agreed to the Government Response to the Auditor-General’s Report No. 4/2015 on ACT Government support to the University of Canberra for affordable student accommodation. Support for the University of Canberra to expand their housing stock has increased access for tertiary students to low-cost accommodation, thereby supporting educational attainment in the ACT.

Powers of Attorney Amendment Bill 2015 – policy approval

Cabinet agreed to proposed amendments to the Powers of Attorney Act 2006 (and related Acts), particularly in relation to participation in medical research.

Smoke-Free Public Places Amendment Bill 2016

Cabinet agreed to proposed amendments to the Smoke-Free Public Places Act 2003 to allow the establishment of new smoke-free public places and events by Ministerial declaration.

National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education – 2016 and 2017

Cabinet agreed to participate in the National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education – 2016 and 2017. This agreement supports universal access to, and improved participation by children in, quality early childhood education in the year before full-time school, with a focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

National Partnership Agreement on Natural Disaster Resilience

Cabinet agreed to a one year extension of the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Natural Disaster Resilience. Previous community benefits from implementing the Natural Disaster Resilience include increased engagement between sectors of the community and emergency managers, and improved community self-reliance and resilience.

Holidays Amendment Bill 2015 – policy approval

Cabinet agreed to proposed amendments being drafted to the Holidays Act 1958 to make Easter Sunday a public holiday.

ACT Private Sector Workers’ Compensation Scheme: Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill No. 1 (2015) – policy approval

Cabinet agreed to amendments being drafted to the Workers’ Compensation Act 1951 to introduce certain statutory obligations on large employers and self-insurers.

Crimes (Domestic and Family Violence) Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to introduction of the Crimes (Domestic and Family Violence) Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill will strengthen the criminal justice system’s ability to support victims of domestic and family violence.

Review of the Electricity Feed-in (Renewable Energy Premium) Act 2008

Cabinet agreed to tabling of the Review of the Electricity Feed-in (Renewable Energy Premium) Act 2008 in the second sitting week of the Legislative Assembly in September. The review found that the Scheme has performed against each of the objectives of the Act.

Ministerial Statement: Update on ACT Ambulance Service
(September 2015)

Cabinet noted the Ministerial Statement on the ACT Ambulance Service Blueprint for Change. This statement will be made by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services in the second week of the September sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

Ministerial Statement: Digital Canberra

Cabinet noted the Ministerial Statement on Digital Canberra, which will be made by the Minister for Economic Development in the second September sitting week of the Legislative Assembly.

Update on Access Canberra

Cabinet noted the information provided on progress in the establishment of Access Canberra and the impact of executive movements on statutory positions within Access Canberra.

Cabinet Secretary