16 February 2015

16 February 2015 - 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.

Legislation to support the Mr Fluffy Buyback Program

Cabinet agreed the Dangerous Substances (Loose-fill Asbestos Eradication) Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. The Bill is part of the legislative package required to support the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme buyback program.  The Bill will make amendments to allow for the publication of a list of affected premises, allow tenancy agreements for affected premises to be terminated on short notice and for the ACT Government Solar-Tariff scheme to be transferred to new residences for existing homeowners.  The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the Legislative Assembly.

Draft Annual Report Directions 2015

In November 2014 the then Chief Minister presented the Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Amendment Bill in the ACT Legislative Assembly.  Cabinet agreed to present an exposure draft of the 2015 Annual Report Directions for publication on the ACT Legislation Register prior to debate of the Bill. The Draft 2015 Annual Report Directions are available here.  The Bill is currently scheduled for debate in March 2015.

Drafting of amending legislation

Cabinet agreed to the drafting of amending legislation in relation to:

  • Crimes (Child Sex Offenders) Act 2005 - to strengthen the ACT's child sex offender laws, supporting ACT Policing in their operational and administrative efforts to ensure and maintain the sexual safety of children in the ACT; and
  • Children and Young People Act 2008 - regarding the regulation of community care and protection service (including Out of Home Care) providers; and the Children and Young People Death Review Committee.

Bills on these items will be presented in the Legislative Assembly during the Autumn 2015 session.

Ministerial Statements

Cabinet agreed to a number of Ministerial Statements to the Legislative Assembly.

University of Canberra Amendment Bill

Cabinet agreed to introduce the University of Canberra Amendment Bill 2015 in the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill will introduce a suite of legislative changes to allow the University of Canberra to strengthen and develop collaborative commercial opportunities with other universities, non-government organisations and the private sector.  The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the Legislative Assembly.

Domestic Animals (Breeding) Legislation Amendment Bill

Cabinet agreed to introduce the Domestic Animals (Breeding) Legislation Amendment Bill in the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill aims to prevent puppy and kitten farming and to license dog and cat breeder in the ACT.  The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the Legislative Assembly.

Courts Legislation Amendment Bill

Cabinet agreed to introduce the Courts Legislation Amendment Bill in the Legislative Assembly.  The Bill will amend the following Acts to improve the efficiency of court processes and clarify certain provisions:

  • ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008;
  • Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002;
  • Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Act 1993;
  • Coroners Act 1997;
  • Court Procedures Act 2004;
  • Criminal Code 2002;
  • Judicial Commissions Act 1994;
  • Juries Act 1967;
  • Legislation Act 2001;
  • Magistrates Court Act 1930;
  • Oaths and Affirmations Act 1984;
  • Ombudsman Act 1989;
  • Public Sector Management Act 1994;
  • Remuneration Tribunal Act 1995; and
  • Supreme Court Act 1933.

The Bill and Explanatory Statement will be available on the ACT Legislation Register following introduction in the Legislative Assembly.

Appointments

Cabinet  agreed to endorse the following appointments and re-appointments, subject to  standing committee consultation:

  • ACT  Civil and Administrative Tribunal – non-presidential  part time member
  • Victims Advisory Board – part time member
  • Local Hospital Network Council – part time chair
  • ACT Long Service Leave  Authority Governing Board –  member representing employee organisations.
  • ACT Work Safety Council - part time members

Cabinet Secretary