21 October 2013

21 October 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.

21 October 2013 - Summary of Cabinet Outcomes [PDF PDF 618.8KB]

Committees of Cabinet

A Budget Committee meeting of Cabinet was convened.  Treasury officials joined with ministers to discuss matters of fiscal significance.

Review of the Election Commitment Costing Act 2012 and government response

Cabinet agreed the following items be tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly:

  • Review of the Election Commitment Costing Act 2012; and
  • Government Response to the Review of the Election Commitment Costing Act 2012,

as per the legislative requirement to do so.  The documents will be available on the CMTD websiteimg-icn-extlink, following tabling in the Assembly.

Government submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts' Inquiry – Auditor General report 5: bushfire preparedness

Cabinet agreed the Government Submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts' (PAC) Inquiry into the Auditor-General's Performance Audit Report on the ACT's Bushfire Preparedness (the Report).  Cabinet agreed the Minister for Police and Emergency Services provide the government submission to PAC.  The submission will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly following PAC consideration and will be made publically available on the Legislative Assembly websiteimg-icn-extlink following tabling.

Heavy Vehicle National Law Adoption Bills

Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General present the Heavy Vehicle National Law (ACT) Bill 2013 and the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Consequential Amendments).  The purpose of the national  law is to create a uniform regulatory framework for heavy vehicle road transport, which:

  1. provides for the registration of heavy vehicles;
  2. prescribes standards for heavy vehicles;
  3. establishes requirements for heavy vehicle operation such as mass limits, size restrictions,  secure loading, and road access;
  4. prescribes measures to control speeding;
  5. prescribes measures to prevent driving while fatigued; and
  6. imposes duties and obligations on operators, drivers and other persons in the chain of responsibility whose activities may influence vehicle or driver compliance.

The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Registerimg-icn-extlink following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.  

Gaming Machine (Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2013

Cabinet agreed the Minister for Racing and Gaming present the Gaming Machine (Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2013 to the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill reduces red tape by providing for a one step process for the application, approval and decision with regards to acquiring a gaming machine, and removes the requirement to approve encumbrances of existing gaming machines.   The Bill will also ensure that the policy objective of returning unallocated jackpot funds to players is achieved rather than being forfeited to the Territory if the current four week deadline has not been met.  This Bill is part of the Government's ongoing efforts to identify and address provisions which impose unnecessary burdens on businesses.  The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Registerimg-icn-extlink following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.  

Centenary of Canberra Quarterly Report no. 13

Cabinet noted the major events in the period June 2013 to August 2013 for the Centenary of Canberra. These included:

  • the British and Irish Lions rugby union match against the Brumbies on 18 June at Canberra Stadium to a crowd of over 21,000;
  • the 2013 AFL Hall of Fame Dinner, held in Canberra for the first time on 4 June, with over 500 attendees; and
  • continuation of the Indigenous Visual Art program, with exhibitions held at Canberra Museum and Gallery, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Burrunju Aboriginal Gallery, Megalo Print Studio & Gallery, Canberra Glassworks, M16 Artspace, Manuka Arts Centre and Bega Valley Regional Gallery.

Energy Market Reform Implementation Plan

Cabinet noted reforms being implemented by the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) as part of an energy market reform package developed by the Standing Council on Energy and Resources (SCER).   The reforms cover a broad range of areas aimed at tackling the issue of increasing retail electricity prices.  The ACT's response to the SCER on pricing deregulation and competition is available on the ESDD websiteimg-icn-extlink.  ESDD is currently developing options to encourage a greater uptake of solar installation to support the current ACT Labor and Greens Parliamentary Agreement.

Operation of the energy efficiency improvement scheme

Cabinet noted a report detailing the first six month's operation of the ACT residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS), as required under The Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012.  The report is available on the ESDD websiteimg-icn-extlink.  Under the EEIS, retailers are required to undertake activities in order to meet an energy savings target.  Over time it is anticipated the EEIS will encourage energy efficiency measures such as the installation of highly efficient space and water heating systems; energy efficient appliances; standby power controlling devices; draft sealing and energy efficient lighting.

Appointments

University of Canberra Council

Cabinet agreed to endorse a number of appointments to the University of Canberra Council, subject to Standing Committee consultation.

Cabinet Secretary