8 February 2016

8 February 2016 - 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.

Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Amendment Bill

Cabinet endorsed the introduction of minor amendments to the Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2008 (DVPO Act) to improve the operation of the special interim orders scheme. 

Government response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Report No 5 – Inquiry into the Human Rights Amendment Bill 2015

Cabinet endorsed the Government’s response to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety’s inquiry into the Human Rights Amendment Bill 2015.   The Government’s response considers a range of issues including alternative models for out of court settlement of native title claims, detailed explanatory statements for all legislation, and other issues raised by the Committee.   The Bill recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights in the Human Rights Act 2004, makes the right to education binding on public authorities, and reinforces that children have all rights in the Human Rights Act 2004.

Government Response to the Public Accounts Committee on the Review of the Auditor-General’s Report No 5 of 2013: Bushfire Preparedness

Cabinet endorsed the Government’s response to a Standing Committee on Public Accounts review of the Auditor-General’s Report on Bushfire Preparedness.  The Government’s response provides an update of work towards implementing the Auditor-General’s recommendations from its 2013 report and additional recommendations from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Government response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Review of the Review of Auditor-General’s Report No.1 of 2013: Care and Protection System

 Cabinet endorsed the Government’s response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Review of the Review of Auditor-General’s Report No.1 of 2013: Care and Protection System.  The Government response builds on the Government’s continuous work to implement the Auditor-General’s recommendations of 2013.

Smoke Free Public Places Amendment Bill

Cabinet endorsed the introduction of the Smoke-Free Public Places Amendment Bill 2016.  The Bill would make amendments to facilitate the creation of smoke-free places, to reduce exposure to the negative effects of smoking in the community.

Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Reforms

Cabinet endorsed legislation that would create a new system for providing financial assistance to victims of crime.  The Victims of Crime Commissioner would assume responsibility for administration, taking over a court-based process, and payments would be assessed under a new, more expansive formula. 

Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Cabinet endorsed the introduction of the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2016.  The Bill contains amendments to support ACT Policing’s new limited pursuits policy, and includes new offences to deal with offenders who attempt to evade police on the roads.

Workplace Privacy Amendment Bill 2016

Cabinet endorsed the introduction of the Workplace Privacy Amendment Bill 2016.  The Bill contains amendments to facilitate the efficient administration of the Workplace Privacy Act 2011.

Ministerial Statements

Cabinet considered and endorsed Ministerial statements to be made on the following topics.

  • The role of the ACT Government under NDIS – 4th six monthly report, Dec 2015.
  • Ministerial Statement on Progress of the Weed Management Program.
  • Ministerial Statement on Elective Surgery – Long Wait Reduction Strategy.
  • Ministerial Statement on Healthcare Access at School Program.

Appointments

Cabinet endorsed the following appointments.

  • Appointment of Interim Commissioner for the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission.
  • Icon Water Limited – Board Re-appointment.
  • Appointment to the Public Trustee Investment Board.

Cabinet Secretary