16 and 24 September 2013

Week 16 and 24 September 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.

Committees of Cabinet

The first Communications and Engagement Sub-committee of Cabinet meeting was convened, where a whole of government communications and engagement action plan was considered. The Terms of Reference are available on the CMTEDD website.

A Security and Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet meeting was convened. Ministers joined with officials to consider current and emerging security and emergency management issues.

Government Responses to Assembly Standing Committee Inquiries into 2011-12 Annual and Financial Reports

Cabinet agreed the government responses to the assembly standing committees on:

  • Education, Training and Youth Affairs;
  • Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services;
  • Justice and Community Safety;
  • Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services; and
  • Public Accounts

with regard to the 2011-12 annual and financial reports. The Government response will be available via the Legislative Assembly website, following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.

Planning, Building and Environmental Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (No 2)

Cabinet agreed presentation of the Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (No 2) in the Legislative Assembly.  The bill makes minor policy, technical and editorial amendments to legislation within the portfolio of the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate.  The following Acts and Regulations are amended in the bill:

  • Environment Protection Act 1997
  • Environment Protection Regulation 2005
  • Planning and Development Act 2007
  • Planning and Development Regulation 2008
  • Public Place Names Act 1989
  • Lakes Act 1976
  • Utilities Act 2000

The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available via the ACT Legislation Register following presentation. The Triple Bottom Line Assessment is available here

Government Submission to the Auditor-General's Performance Report No 4/13: National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness

Cabinet agreed the Government Submission to the Auditor-General's Performance Report No. 4/13: National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.  Cabinet agreed the Minister for Housing provide the Government Submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC). The Submission will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly following consideration by the PAC and will be made publically available on the Legislative Assembly website following tabling.

Marriage Equality Bill 2013

Cabinet agreed the Attorney-General present the Marriage Equality Bill 2013.  Earlier in 2013, Cabinet agreed to prepare the key elements of a marriage equality bill which are consistent with legislation proposed in other Australian jurisdictions.  It was agreed that these key elements would address:

  • solemnisation;
  • eligibility;
  • dissolution and annulment;
  • regulatory requirements; and
  • notice of intention.

The bill is based on the New South Wales State Marriage Equality Bill, which is similar in structure and provision to the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961.  The bill replicates some regulatory provisions from the Civil Unions Act 2012 to ensure operational consistency and effective implementation by the Office of Regulatory Services.  The bill also includes provisions from other jurisdictions' marriage equality bills to ensure the ACT bill reflects the Territory's established and comprehensive policies on relationship law.  The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following tabling in the Legislative Assembly.  The Triple Bottom Line Assessment is available on the JACS website.

DisabilityCare Implementation Ministerial Statement

Cabinet noted the progress made by the ACT towards launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and agreed to provide an update to the ACT Legislative Assembly during the September sitting week.  The Ministerial Statement is available on the Legislative Assembly website.

Animal Welfare (Factory Farming) Amendment Bill 2013

Cabinet agreed the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA present the Animal Welfare (Factory Farming) Amendment Bill 2013 to the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill proposes to prohibit the use of battery cages for laying hens, the debeaking of poultry and sow stalls in the ACT. The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following tabling. The Triple Bottom Line Assessment is available here.

Ministerial Statement on Throughcare

Cabinet agreed the Ministerial Statement regarding the Government's extension of the Throughcare initiative, be tabled in the September Assembly sitting week.  The statement provides background to the development of this initiative, covers progress to date and highlights the importance of the initiative.The Ministerial Statement will be publically available on the Hansard website following tabling in the Assembly.

Review of the Operation of the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2009

Cabinet noted the report into the review of the operation of the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2009.  The review covered the operation of the Act over the three years since commencement on 1 July 2010.  The report will be publically available on the Legislative Assembly website following tabling in the Assembly.

Appointments

Cabinet agreed to endorse proposed appointments, subject to Standing Committee consultation, to the:

  • ACT Radiation Council;
  • Territory Records Advisory Council,
  • Non-government Schools Education Council; and
  • ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Cabinet Secretary