Week commencing 5 August 2013 - 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.
Week commencing 5 August 2013 - Summary of Cabinet Outcomes [
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Government Response to the Assembly Resolution on Cost of Living Pressures
Cabinet agreed the Government Response to the Assembly Resolution on Cost of Living Pressures in the ACT. Cabinet agreed the Treasurer table the Government Response in the Legislative Assembly. The Assembly Resolution on Cost of Living Pressures and the Government Response is available on the Treasury website.
Government Response to the Inquiry conducted by the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and Water into Current and Potential Ecotourism in the ACT and Region
Cabinet agreed the ACT Government response to the report by the 7th Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and Water. The Government Response will be available via the Legislative Assembly website, following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
Government Position on Private Members Bill on Payroll Tax Amendment Bill 2013
Cabinet considered the Payroll Tax Amendment Bill presented by Mr Brendan Smyth MLA on 5 June 2013. Cabinet agreed the Government position in relation to this Private Members Bill. The Greens Minister noted his preference for debate of the bill to be adjourned until a later date.
Marriage Equality Bill 2013
Cabinet agreed to the development of a Marriage Equality Bill that provides for couples who are not able to marry under the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to enter into a marriage in the ACT. It will provide for:
* solemnisation;
* eligibility;
* dissolution and annulment;
* regulatory requirements; and
* notice of intention.
These elements are consistent with marriage equality bills in other States. The Triple Bottom Line assessment for development of this bill is available on the Justice and Community Safety website.
National Classification Code and Guidelines
Cabinet agreed to table the amended —
* Classification Code;
* Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games; and
* Guidelines for the Classification of Films
The Code and Guidelines have been agreed by State and Territory Censorship Ministers under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Censorship. The creation of an R18+ classification category for computer games required changes to the National Classification Code, the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films. The Code and Guidelines are available on the Justice and Community Safety website.
Magistrates Court (Industrial Proceedings) Amendment Bill 2013
Cabinet agreed to introduce the Magistrates Court (Industrial Proceedings) Amendment Bill 2013 in the Legislative Assembly during sitting week commencing 6 August 2013. The proposed Bill will amend the Magistrates Court Act 1930 to establish a specialist Industrial Court to hear and determine work health and safety and workers' compensation matters. The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Workers Compensation Amendment Bill 2013
Cabinet agreed to introduce the Workers Compensation Amendment Bill 2013. The Bill amends the Workers Compensation Act 1951 and also improves and clarifies legislation pertaining to the management of workers' compensation levies generally. The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Ministerial Statement - Getting Home Safely Report – Update
Cabinet noted the Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations will make a Ministerial Statement in the Legislative Assembly during the August sittings, reflecting the progress of implementing the recommendations stemming from the Getting Home Safely Report. The Statement will be available under the Government's response to the Getting Home Safely report at: www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/functions/publications following tabling in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Ministerial Statement - ACT Closing the Gap Report 2013
Cabinet noted the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will make a Ministerial Statement in the Legislative Assembly during the August sittings in relation to the ACT Closing the Gap Report 2013. The Report contains ACT performance data on the objectives, outcomes, output and performance measures that all governments have committed to under the Council of Australian Governments' Closing the Gap targets. The Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following tabling in the ACT Legislative Assembly
Appointments
Cabinet agreed to endorse a proposed appointment to the Governing Board of the ACT Long Service Leave Authority subject to Standing Committee consultation.
Cabinet agreed to endorse a proposed appointment to the ACT Teacher Quality Institute Board subject to Standing Committee consultation.
Cabinet agreed to endorse a proposed appointment to the Government Schools Education Council subject to Standing Committee consultation.
Secretary to Cabinet