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 Budget Committee of Cabinet was convened. Ministers and Treasury officials discussed the 2016-17 ACT Budget along with issues of fiscal importance to the ACT.
ACT Government Response to Family Violence
Cabinet endorsed the ACT Government Response to two family violence related reports:
- Report of the Inquiry: Review into the system level responses to family violence in the ACT by Laurie Glanfield AM; and
- Review of Domestic and Family Violence Deaths in the ACT by the Domestic Violence Prevention Council.
Cabinet noted that the Domestic Violence Service System Gap Analysis Project Final Report by the Community Services Directorate has also been considered as part of the response.
Improving the ACT Building Regulatory System
Cabinet endorsed reforms to the building regulatory system, including priority reforms to be completed by the end of the year. The reforms are designed to improve the ACT’s building regulatory system and reduce the incidence of defects and financial losses associated with poor construction work. Cabinet agreed to the legislative amendments in the Building and Construction Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, which will be introduced in the June sitting week of the Legislative Assembly.
ACT State of the Environment Report 2015
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to the ACT State of the Environment Report 2015 and noted that the response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week.
Auditor-General Report No. 2 of 2016 – Maintenance of Public Housing
Cabinet endorsed the Government response to the Auditor-General’s Performance Audit on the Maintenance of Public Housing and noted that the response will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week.
Reportable Conduct and Information Sharing Amendment Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Reportable Conduct and Information Sharing Amendment Bill 2016 and its tabling in the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week. The Bill amends the Ombudsman Act 1989 in order to introduce a new Reportable Conduct Scheme for the ACT that will improve reporting and oversight of allegations of employee misconduct against children in organisations that exercise close supervision over, and care for, children.
Public Sector Management Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Public Sector Management Bill 2016 and its tabling in the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week. The Bill amends the Public Sector Management Act 1994 to establish a modern, flexible, consistent and streamlined employment framework for the ACT Public Service.
Traders (Licensing) Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Traders (Licensing) Bill 2016 and its tabling in the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week. The Bill creates a standardised licensing Act for the sale, repair and dealing of motor vehicles and pawned goods, and amends other legislation to include relevant licensing provisions. The Bill will serve as model legislation for other licensed industries to be integrated into the standardised licensing Act in future stages.
Sister City Relationship with Wellington, New Zealand
Cabinet endorsed a Motion to be introduced into the Legislative Assembly during the June 2016 sitting period. The Motion will bring Canberra and Wellington closer together in a number of areas, including business, tourism, education, cultural exchanges, biodiversity and sport.
Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Bill 2016. The amendments will provide a range of policy reforms relating to residential tenancies in the Territory, including for people protected by domestic violence or protection orders. Cabinet agreed to introduction of the Bill in the Legislative Assembly during the June sitting week.
Crimes (Serious Organised Crime) Amendment Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Crimes (Serious Organised Crime) Amendment Bill 2016. The Bill makes amendments to various Crimes Acts, clarifies police move-on powers and broadens the offences that can be subject to a non-association order under sentencing laws. Cabinet agreed to introduction of the Bill in the Legislative Assembly during the June sitting week. The Greens Minister reserved his position on the Bill.
Discrimination Amendment Bill 2016
Cabinet endorsed the Discrimination Amendment Bill 2016 and the introduction of the Bill in the Legislative Assembly during the June sitting week. The Bill implements the first stage of reforms to the Discrimination Act 1991 which will include expanding the objects of the Act to align with the Human Rights Act 2014.
Canberra Public School Enrolment Projections
Cabinet endorsed the Enrolment Projections for Canberra Public Schools for 2017 and 2018 in response to an ACT Legislative Assembly motion of 6 April 2016. The response details current projected enrolment numbers for Canberra public schools and includes factual information concerning the definition of terms used by the Education Directorate. Cabinet agreed that the response be tabled in the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting week.
Work Health and Safety in the ACT
Cabinet endorsed the presentation of a statement in the Legislative Assembly in the June sitting period that provides an annual update on work health and safety in the Territory.
Ministerial Statements
Cabinet endorsed a Ministerial Statement and community consultation on a proposal to rename a public holiday to celebrate Reconciliation.
Cabinet Secretary