Cabinet decision summary for the week of 11 December 2023
Cabinet date: 12 December 2023
Active Travel Plan 2023-30
Minute Number: 23/556/CAB
Cabinet agreed the content of the Active Travel Plan 2023-30.
The implementation of the new Active Travel Plan will have primary impacts on the wellbeing domains of Access and Connectivity and Safety. The key actions in the Plan also demonstrate how they will drive actions that will have wellbeing impacts on Health, and the Environment and Climate.
Operating business rules for emissions-based registration
Minute Number: 23/672/CAB
Cabinet agreed the operating business rules that will be used to implement an emissions-based registration scheme for light vehicles.
This proposal benefits the environment through reduced particulate pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Lower emissions vehicles are lower cost to run and provide health benefits across the community through reduced noxious gases and particulates.
ACT Countering Violent Extremism Strategy
Minute Number: 23/830/SEMC
The Security and Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet agreed to the new ACT Countering Violent Extremism Strategy.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
National Security Priorities
Minute Number: 23/831/SEMC
The Security & Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet agreed to national security priorities for the ACT Government in 2023-2026.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Cabinet date: 13 December 2023
Government Submission - Inquiry into Immediate trauma support services in the ACT
Minute Number: 23/800/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minster for Police and Emergency Services provide the ACT Government Submission to the Immediate trauma support services in the ACT Inquiry to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community.
The ACT Government Submission to the Immediate trauma support services in the ACT Inquiry to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community primarily impacts wellbeing in the ‘health’ domain of the ACT Wellbeing Framework by clearly articulating the trauma support services available to the Canberra community and outlining support available to police and emergency service members.
Northside Hospital Transition Project - Update
Minute Number: 23/746/CAB
Cabinet agreed funding arrangements related to the transition to North Canberra Hospital from Calvary.
The transition of health services to Canberra Health Services operations will achieve: improved patient outcomes; improved health and wellbeing for patients and future generations through load sharing across two public hospitals; improved user experience by planning new infrastructure, and development of existing infrastructure, across a system of healthcare; provision of care closer to home through territory wide planning and ensure facilities can deliver quality healthcare where it is needed; and improved well-being for families and carers and across the ACT community through reduced transition between care providers.
Government Response - Standing Committee on Economy and Gender Economic Equality - Report 9 - Inquiry into Future of the Working Week
Minute Number: 23/790/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Government response to the Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economy Equality - Inquiry into the future of the working week - Report 9.
If introduced, a four-day working week will have a positive effect on the wellbeing and work-life balance of employees. Positive impacts have been recognised in recent trials internationally and locally as seen through reduced absenteeism, addressing excessive working hours, providing more time for caring responsibilities, and increasing gender equity and staff retention.
Variation - Federal Funding Agreement – Access to HIV treatment for people who are not eligible for Medicare
Minute Number: 23/808/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Health sign the variation to the Federation Funding Agreement - Communicable diseases of public health concern – Access to HIV treatment for people who are not eligible for Medicare, increasing the amount of total funding available to states and territories for provision of free HIV treatment to people ineligible for Medicare.
The proposal will increase access to HIV treatment for individuals who are Medicare ineligible. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV is crucial for preventing HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related morbidity and mortality. Consistent and sustained ART treatment suppresses viral load and reduces the likelihood of onward transmission of HIV.
Government Response to Petition 023-23 – Improve public transport outcomes for Belconnen
Minute Number: 23/816/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Transport and City Services provide the response to Petition 023-23 to the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly for tabling.
The ACT Government recognises that the Belconnen corridor is one of the busiest public transport corridors in Canberra. It connects Canberra’s most populous centres, Belconnen, with the City Centre, two universities, a hospital and the Bruce precinct. Improved public transport links are critical for tertiary students, commuters and school students travelling along this corridor.
Government Response to Petition 020-23 - Point Hut Pond Parkrun Path
Minute Number: 23/824/CAB
Cabinet agreed the Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services provide the response to Petition 20-23 regarding Point Hut Pond Parkrun Path to the Clerk of the ACT Legislative Assembly for tabling.
The Parkrun charity’s mission, which is to transform health and happiness by empowering people to come together, to be active, social and outdoors aligns closely with the ACT Government’s Healthy Canberra ACT Preventative Health Plan 2020-2025 (the Plan). Supporting more people to participate in sport and active recreation across all stages of life enables active living and improves wellbeing. The ACT Government is committed to providing a safer, more accessible and connected city that supports Canberrans to make active, healthy and sustainable transport choices.
Security and Emergency Management Senior Officials Group (SEMSOG) Chair Report
Minute Number: 23/829/SEMC
The Security and Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet agreed the updated Emergency Management – A Guideline for ACT Government Ministers and Senior
Officials.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Reviewed Draft Urban Open Space Land Management Plan
Minute Number: 23/785/CAB
Cabinet agreed to the reviewed draft Urban Open Space Land Management Plan (reviewed to incorporate changes upon the completion of public consultation).
The Plan provides information about how the ACT Government manages urban open space on the community’s behalf; the land types and their values; the range of facilities available in each land type; the range of activities anticipated for each land type; and the role each of us can play in shaping our public open space.
ACT Government Construction Projects and the Environment - Update
Minute Number: 23/788/CAB
Cabinet agreed to measures to strengthen environment protection associated with construction projects.
The ACT’s parks and reserves are critical pieces of land in the ACT that provide a wide range of values including conservation, recreation, cultural, education and scientific research. The ACT Government remains focused on protecting our network of parks and reserves from damage associated with nearby development and has taken action to protect these locations.
Heritage Amendment Bill 2024 - Policy Approval
Minute Number: 23/794/CAB
Cabinet agreed the policy proposal to amend the ACT Heritage Act 2004 to address the review of older registration nominations and to improve the efficient operation of the Heritage Council.
The amendments will have a positive impact for the application, decision making and management of nominations for registration to the ACT Heritage Register and provide the Minister with increased flexibility in appointing new members to the Heritage Council with broader skills and experience. The amendment will have a positive impact on the interaction and understanding of the community and industry about heritage matters.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed the below appointments:
- Appointment of the Secure Local Jobs Code Registrar (Minute Number: 23/840/CAB)
- Therapeutic Support Panel Appointments (Minute Number: 23/846/CAB)
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, Wellbeing Impact Assessments are not required for appointments.