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
A meeting of the Economic Growth and Urban Renewal Subcommittee of Cabinet was convened. Ministers and relevant officials discussed:
- proposed strata reform in relation to mixed use development;
- a coordinated communications approach for Canberra;
- the City and Gateway Urban Renewal Strategy;
- payment of artists by the ACT Government; and
- ‘Themes of Change’ outcomes.
Light Rail Stage 2
Cabinet discussed possible routes for Stage 2 of Light Rail.
Government Office Project – Tender process outcome
Cabinet noted the preferred tenderer for the Government Office Block in Civic.
ACT Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Cabinet endorsed the ACT Climate Change Adaptation Strategy – Living with a Warming Climate 2016 and its public release.
Liquor and Other Amendment Bill 2016
Cabinet discussed possible measures, informed by proposals in the recent Building on Liquor Reform White Paper and proven interventions being adopted in other cities, to reduce the instance of alcohol-related harm in the ACT. Cabinet noted the need for any measures to be informed by community expectations.
Government amendments to the Crimes (Serious and Organised Crime) Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill)
Cabinet endorsed minor government amendments to the Crimes (Serious and Organised Crime) Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 including amendments to the Firearms Act 1996 being included in the Bill.
The Greens Minister did not agree with the changes to the move-on powers, the expansion of non-association and place restriction orders (NAPROs), and the new bail power of review for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 – No. 2
Cabinet endorsed the Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (No 2) for tabling in the Legislative Assembly in the August sitting period.
The Bill amends the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 and Limitation Act 1985 to:
- remove limitation periods for personal injury claims arising out of child sex abuse that occurred in an institutional context;
- make a minor and technical amendment to the Supreme Court Act 1933 to allow the changes made by the Supreme Court Amendment Act 2016 to apply to acquittals made on the day the Supreme Court Amendment Act 2016 commenced; and
- raises the victims services levy.
Government Response to Auditor-General’s Report No.1 of 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to the Auditor-General’s Report No. 1 of 2016: Calvary Public Hospital Financial and Performance Reporting and Management and the review of that report by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Cabinet noted the response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the August sittings.
Government update to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Committee Report No.17 (October 2015)
Cabinet endorsed the Government update on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Committee Report No.17 (October 2015) in relation to transition to an online grants management process (Recommendation 5). Cabinet noted the update will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the August sittings.
Government Response to the National Arboretum Strategic Review of Forests
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to the National Arboretum Strategic Review of Forests. Cabinet noted the National Arboretum Strategic Forest Review and the Government response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the August sittings.
Government Response to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 Review
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 Review. Cabinet noted the Review report and the Government response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the August sittings.
Government Response to Select Committee on Estimates 2015-16 Inquiry into Appropriate Bill 2015-16 - 2015 Australian Early Development Census - ACT results
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to Recommendation 69 from the Select Committee on Estimates 2015-16 on the Inquiry into Appropriation Bill 2015-16 2015 AEDC (ACT) results – supporting our understanding of vulnerability in the early years. Cabinet noted the Government response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the August sittings.
Appointments
Cabinet endorsed appointment(s) to the:
- Animal Welfare Advisory Committee
- Light Rail Project Board (Chair re-appointment).
Cabinet Secretary