6 April 2015

SUMMARY OF CABINET OUTCOMES WEEK COMMENCING 6 APRIL 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

Expenditure Review Committee and Budget Committee of Cabinet meetings were convened. Treasury officials joined Ministers to discuss matters of fiscal significance.

Council of Australian Governments Meeting – 17 April 2015

Cabinet discussed the agenda for the Council of Australian Governments meeting in Canberra on 17 April 2015. Cabinet considered the ACT's position in relation to the key issues listed for discussion.

Planning and Development (Process Efficiencies) Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet agreed to amendments to the Territory Plan and processes contained in the Planning and Development Act 2007 to improve efficiency and reduce red tape. The amendments will:

  • allow a development proponent to lodge a development application (DA) for assessment against a proposed Territory Plan variation with simultaneous public release of the DA and variation for comment;
  • allow concurrent lodgement of an impact track DA and Environmental Impact Statement;
  • allow concurrent lodgement of a merit track DA and Environmental Significance Opinion;
  • provide a streamlined process for lodging and assessing DAs that contain minor encroachments into adjacent Territory Plan zones;
  • confirm the ability to take compliance action to terminate leases in cases of serious non-compliance with lease conditions or controlled activity orders;
  • confirm that the relevant assessment track for a DA is determined in accordance with the circumstances at the time of lodgement of the application, notwithstanding subsequent events;
  • replace daily newspaper notices under the Planning and Development Act with online notices and/or such other appropriate mechanism prescribed by regulation following a six month transitional period of short form newspaper advertising

Veterinary Surgeons Board Appointments

Cabinet endorsed the appointment of a part-time president (commencing on 14 May 2015), a part-time member (commencing on 14 May 2015) and a part-time community representative (commencing on 2 June 2015) to the Veterinary Surgeons Board, each for a period of four years. These appointments will be subject to endorsement by the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment, and Territory and Municipal Services.

Cabinet Secretary