Released 25/07/2017
ACT Labor took a bold agenda of reform and investment to the 2016 ACT Election. The people of Canberra overwhelmingly supported this agenda and since October the ACT Government I lead has set about implementing it. While we have achieved much already, July 1 is an important date to recognise because it is the beginning date of some important legislation, regulations and programs that will improve our city.
A wide range of changes and new programs come into effect tomorrow and are an important step in the delivery of an even better Canberra. A list of highlights, as well as a link to a comprehensive list of changes, can be found below.
In addition, new administrative arrangements across ACT Government from tomorrow will help us deliver a better Canberra, with a focus on renewal right across our city and suburbs and access to high quality services for all Canberrans.
In the 2017-18 Budget we outlined key government priorities to help build a better city for everyone and capitalise on Canberra’s potential. This includes renewing our CBD, continuing to grow and renew our suburbs, as well as making sure we have the right infrastructure in place now to cater for Canberra’s future.
As part of these changes, I assume Ministerial responsibility for the City Renewal Authority which will focus on breathing new life into the CBD. City Renewal will also support the development of new public spaces and buildings along the Northbourne corridor to the lakeside precinct in West Basin – a corridor which is expected to become home to more than 60,000 people and host up to 40,000 new workers by 2050.
Canberra has made huge strides in the past two decades, particularly with the massive growth we’ve seen in Gungahlin and the new suburbs – we’re now expecting Molonglo Valley to be the next major growth region.
To better cater for the needs of our growing suburbs, we have created the Suburban Land Agency to deliver new greenfield residential estates and more affordable housing. The agency will also oversee land release and focus on much needed urban renewal projects in town centres and suburbs.
Delivering better health care both in hospitals and right across the community will always be a priority for this Government. In addition to providing better health care when you need it, we’re also investing in a range of health services to cater for overall health and wellbeing. To reflect this, the Ministerial portfolio for health now includes wellbeing.
My Government has a clear focus on making the Canberra we love even better. We continue to work on this every day for the benefit of all Canberrans.
Changes from 1 July 2017:
- From 1 July 2017, small licensed restaurants and cafes in the ACT will pay 25% less in liquor fees. The lower liquor licence fees will apply to those restaurants and cafes with an occupancy of 150 or less patrons that operate standard licensing times of no later than midnight, and small venues with an occupancy of 150 or less patrons with a trading time of up to 2am. These Liquor reforms will improve the vibrancy of Canberra’s nightlife, minimise the risk of harm to our community and reduce administrative burden on local businesses.
- Canberra charities will save time and money under new changes introduced as part of the annual Red Tape Reduction Bills, by removing the requirement for charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to also report to Access Canberra.
- From 1 July 2017, organisations in Canberra providing services to children must report relevant allegations and convictions involving their staff to the ACT Ombudsman, as well as the results of any investigations. This new Reportable Conduct Scheme is an important step forward in safeguarding our kids is part of the ACT Government’s response to issues exposed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
- The Workers Compensation Amendment Bill 2016 commences on 1 July 2017 and is yet another example of the ACT Government’s commitment to ensure that people whose lives have been impacted by exposure to asbestos through their work receive the support they need. The legislation enables an injured worker with an imminently fatal asbestos related disease to make a claim for compensation through the ACT’s Default Insurance Fund without first having to exhaust all other avenues for compensation.
- The transition period for ending the greyhound racing industry in the ACT commences on July 1, with a Greyhound Industry Transition Taskforce assisting those who are exiting the industry. The independent report by Mary Durkin, Greyhound Racing Industry Transition Options Analysis, found that an end date of 30 June 2018 for the greyhound racing industry is achievable.
- The ACT is joining the National Firearms Amnesty that commences on 1 July 2017, meaning those in possession of unlawful, or unregistered firearms and firearms related components can turn the weapons over to police without repercussion. The amnesty period is 1 July to 30 September 2017, and the surrender location in the ACT is the AFP Firearms Registry, 86 Vicars Street, Mitchell.
- Starting 1 July 2017, recurrent funding is being provided to Canberra Community Law, the Women’s Legal Centre and Street Law over four years and the Environmental Defenders’ Office over two years. This will help to alleviate the pressure resulting from the uncertainty about core Commonwealth funding for Canberra Community Law and the Women’s Legal Centre, and will allow these community legal centres to restore and, in some cases, increase crucial frontline services for the most vulnerable members of our community.
- From 1 July, Segways are permitted on footpaths, shared paths and some roads across the ACT. Segway users must keep left on a footpath or shared path unless impracticable to do so and give way to other pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths. Under the new rules, Segway users are treated as pedestrians with some additional requirements. Segway users will have to wear an approved bicycle helmet, have a bell or other warning device fitted and use lights and reflectors when travelling at night or in reduced visibility. There is also a requirement for Segway users to wear a bicycle helmet will help to mitigate the risk of serious head injury in the event of a rider falling off their Segway. On-road use is allowed only when there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip or it is impracticable to travel on the footpath, shared path or nature strip. Segway users on the road must keep left like cyclists, rather than travelling against the traffic like pedestrians.
A full list of changes coming into effect on July 1 can be searched via the ACT legislation register.
Current Ministers and their portfolios at 1 July 2017:
Chief Minister Andrew Barr
Treasurer
Minister for Economic Development
Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
Minister for Housing and Suburban Development (now includes part oversight of Suburban Land Authority)
Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
Minister for Women
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Meegan Fitzharris MLA
Minister for Health and Wellbeing
Minister for Transport and City Services
Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research
Mick Gentleman MLA
Manager of Government Business
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Minister for Environment and Planning
Minister for Urban Renewal (now includes part oversight of Suburban Land Authority)
Gordon Ramsay MLA
Attorney-General
Minister for Regulatory Services
Minister for Arts and Community Services
Minister for Veterans and Seniors
Shane Rattenbury MLA
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs
Minister for Corrections
Minister for Mental Health
Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA
Minister for Community Services and Social Inclusion
Minister for Disability, Children and Youth
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Affairs
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
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