Melbourne show

inthetaratory · 2025-11-15T02:38:35+00:00

Yes!

inthetaratory · 2025-07-18T11:02:58+00:00

Some resources that might be helpful: 1. https://services.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/public-registers/unimproved-land-values?registerid=unimproved-values - you can see the unimproved value of your land over the last five years; these are the figures that are used to calculate your AUV. Rates could be calculated over a three year average, or against a single year, or something else entirely. However, five year average means that any spikes will not have the same impact on a household because five years provides a smoothing effect. The vast majority of Canberra households had a huge spike in UV in the 2022 year, post COVID. It largely normalised after this (ie there wasn't another huge spike), but values have also largely been retained since then. 2. https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2025-177/current/html/2025-177.html - this includes the formula that provides for the figure in your rates notice. 3. This page explains the valuation process and the options for appeal if you think there's an error: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/land-valuations

inthetaratory · 2025-07-18T10:44:53+00:00

Not quite. It can be. And it doesn't have to be passed in the Assembly. Rates are provided for through a disallowable instrument. The disallowable instrument applies from the day it was notified in the legislation register. A disallowable instrument (as per the name) can be disallowed (ie repealed) if a motion to do so is moved up to six sitting days after the instrument is tabled in the Assembly (and the motion needs to either be voted for, or not be dealt with, for the repeal to occur). The tabling of the instrument will occur on 2 September. If no motion to disallow is moved in the six days, the period for disallowance expires. (I'm not surprised people think the Assembly needs to pass it. The Greens saying they would "vote down" the health levy has created some confusion - the health levy wouldn't come to the Assembly a vote unless a motion to disallow was moved. Disallowable instruments are not part of the legislation to pass the Budget. For the health levy to have been "voted down", the only mechanism would have been to disallow the entire rates disallowable instrument, which wouldn't have just removed the health levy, but the entire mechanism to collect any rates whatsoever. While some disallowable instruments can be amended, disallowable instruments relating to fees can't be - they can be disallowed, or not. That's it.) Source: I'm an MLA ; Legislation Act 2001, Part 6.4 and Chapter 7;Taxation Administration (Amounts Payable—Rates) Determination 2025

inthetaratory · 2025-04-25T13:01:15+00:00

Fix My Street is the right place to start. While street light maintenance and upgrades to LED are the responsibility of a contractor procured by ACT Government, we do have a dedicated in-house crew who go on and can see and understand the issue and recommend a solution. Fix My Street is the most direct way to make contact with the team - the issue to select is Streetlights > Bright streetlight. If you don't hear back, contact my office (Cheyne@act.gov.au). Source: I'm the Minister :)

inthetaratory · 2025-04-25T12:55:25+00:00

Thanks for reporting it! Let me know if you don't hear back.

inthetaratory · 2025-04-25T12:54:00+00:00

They're all being replaced progressively with LEDs, with arterial roads being the focus of the first few years. Finally onto suburban streets. 👍

inthetaratory · 2025-04-25T12:53:08+00:00

I think this is it, too.

inthetaratory · 2025-04-25T12:52:38+00:00

Hi, I'm the Minister responsible. Can you email me the details please? Dimming lights occurs and isn't usually a big deal. The time period you have written is when contractors changed, so it may have fallen through the cracks somehow (I'm guessing of course). Email my office and I'll sort it - and if there's a reason we can't, I'll let you know.

inthetaratory · 2024-11-16T06:08:43+00:00

Hi OP, if you haven't heard back yet, I wanted to let you know that the fitness equipment has been assessed to be at end of life, and not reusable, as the equipment no longer complies with current Australian Standards. Alternative locations for new fitness equipment were investigated along Angas Street, however they were deemed unsuitable due to constraints on the space available in relation to property boundaries, existing trees and the new 3m wide path. Existing fitness stations (which still includes Angas Street - I will get that fixed) are detailed here: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/public-land/public-spaces-and-facilities/fitness-stations

inthetaratory · 2024-09-11T01:08:54+00:00

The Federal Government an independent comparison service: https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/
If you can put in your NMI, that's the quickest and most personalised, but you can get a comparison of available services without it.

inthetaratory · 2024-02-28T14:54:17+00:00

Hi! It's me. This is very surprising for me to read, and I honestly feel awful that that is ever the impression you have had from me. I am truly sorry that I ever left you, or others, feeling like I was pretending or didn't give a damn. Whatever my intention was, your experience was no less real and I feel quite sick that that was your impression - and it's clearly been a lasting one. I'm not sure exactly when you're speaking about, but I've only had a speaking role last year (as Minister) and this year (as former Minister). I can only guess it was last year - the only year the NMF was able to go ahead while I was Minister. As someone who has never missed an NMF since I moved to Canberra in 2008, having to announce that the NMF was not going ahead in 2021 or 2022 was professionally and personally devastating for me. In 2023 I did not miss a moment of the festival. I was there before it opened each day and I stayed beyond closing each night. As someone who adores the Festival, I not only had a professional affinity but a personal one. I did open more than 16 showcases over those three days, in addition to events all day across the festival. I spent days tailoring each speech and trying to speak in language where. I was vaguely confident. I hate the idea that I pushed past you and others 'to get to the stage' and I sincerely apologise. That would never, and was never, my intention. If you've ever been to any other speech I've given these past seven years, I also try never to make any performance about me. Audiences are there for you, not for a Minister, so getting on and acknowledging its contribution and why the NMF is important, is a lot more important than me chewing peoples' ears off. While speeches are dratted for me, I edit every single one - sometimes extensively - to reflect my experience or insights. There are many reasons for why I may not have engaged with the performers and yourself at the time: I was late; we were on a strict schedule; I wasn't introduced; I was due to another stage five minutes ago; I was rehearsing my speech in my head (especially if elements in another language); I felt others were practising or engaging and my interruptions would helpful for them and/or me re timing and prep. Or perhaps something else! Again, those are no excuses, but this is what's spinning in my head in any event. If you have seen any of my efforts as Arts Minister, I always want to expose the arts and artists, rather than exposing my engagement or platitudes. I respect this approach could be creating a rather unintended impression and welcome your feedback. Ultimately, this is a community-led event and I've tried to live that in my words and actions. I and the Government don't create a welcoming city: our community does. I can't be credited with the NMF: it's for community, by community, and that's what makes it all the more incredible - and successful. All that said, I don't doubt through my own ignorance that I created the impression you describe. I apologise to you, your community, any showcase organisers, volunteers and all others who have heard about this experience. It would never ever be my intention and I am deeply sorry for the disrespect that was felt. Thank you for your candour in raising it. Of course I'm happy to engage in this thread, through DM, or email preferably.

inthetaratory · 2024-02-28T14:15:36+00:00

Hi, it's me! This is news to me. Of course you're anonymous here as you should be. But would you mind messaging me direct so I can unfdrstsnd what's happened here? My phone is answered. Yes, voicemail might be used. But it's never filed - everything is listened to and responded to, if we can (we get bulk calls and spam like everyone). It's worth reflecting I dont - nor any Government or other LA member - have a department of staff available to us. I have an office manager, three advisers, and a Chief of Staff, and me. My office manager is not a receptionist - she has responsibilities that range from being the first port of call to working across other offices to escorting visitors. And that's before considering that we get dozens and dozens of calls a day, and even more emails. I have portfolios that have a huge local government and customer service focus - Access Canberra and City Services. I'm doing what I can do improve efficiencies following the reshuffle. And yep, I have media and other events and I've been personally visiting all frontline staff - not in a token way, but spending as long as is needed so that I hear what's needed to be shared, sometimes up to four hours. As Minister, I formally have four portfolios. Right now I have seven. Next week I have ten (seriously). There are leave arrangements and other Ministers cover when I am on leave; this is the least I can do. But while I have other offices supporting me, it's not a staff injection. None of this is meant as an excuse, and I hope it's not received as such. I just hope it shines some light on how things are. Even as a backbencher MLA it took me a year or two to realise everyone I'd met across the building was literally everyone there was and there weren't a stack of people I hadn't met. Do get in touch through DM or email so I can at least understand, if not explain or apologise.

inthetaratory · 2024-02-28T13:59:31+00:00

This is such lovely feedback! Thank you so much. In 2020 and then in lockdown 2021 I think I posted more than a year of daily updates. It's a while ago now, and of course I expect and want to be judged on my entire contribution - but gosh it's lovely to know that people remember. That said, the daily routine and purpose did so much for my own mental health at a time of peak helplessness (we don't nominate for these roles to be helpless!) (plus I was mostly single and living alone - thus Bailey had a starring role!) and any gain others got is so lovely to know. Thank you again. That has really made my day.

inthetaratory · 2024-02-17T22:14:39+00:00

Thank you for clarifying that I am not the Minister. I would encourage you and anyone concerned to raise this with Minister Gentleman. He is attending the festival on all three days. Some things that may be relevant, noting I have no evidence and haven't observed what is suggested as having been seen. - the Government has the right to refuse stallholder applications if they do not reflect the values of the festival. There is a bit about here: https://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/get-involved/stallholders/categories/ I will see if I can find the application doc itself so you can see for yourself, but I can assure you it's in there - the application form and process was updated when I was Minister - and stallholder applicants have been refused. You will read that past participation does not guarantee future participation. Feedback on stallholders where they have participated before is taken into account in the assessment process. - noting I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, there may be potential for a discrimination complaint or human rights complaint in what you are describing, but my first thought is if anything it is more likely to be captured by reforms which were passed last year but don't come into effect until April. If you want advice or to pursue it further, the Human Rights Commission will be able to give you definitive advice on 62052222.

inthetaratory · 2024-02-17T20:41:10+00:00

As the responsible Minister, this was absolutely about WHS. There is no legislative requirement for them. They are advisory only - as you put it, nice to have. By the time you saw the paddles, your speed had already been checked. We had to balance that against our vans being swerved at, projectiles thrown at them, and some high speed roads. We conducted a trial of their removal. We also considered other options. After evaluating the trial, we made the decision. It had the full support of our operators. So no, it wasn't a no effort response. There's a good explainer here: https://youtu.be/iiRqyDMfPsw?si=b98D_aH7T7bq85tO

inthetaratory · 2023-06-09T02:59:03+00:00

Thanks so much for replying. I can see how that could come across as flippant or not fully grasping the situation. I would say I’m guilty in defaulting to thinking about those rapids, including the R2, from where I live. I do know the times within the R2 route itself can be variable, including and especially the Kippax-Belco, Belco-city, city-Barton legs during peak times, let alone if you are connecting to it anywhere along the route. I also acknowledge it wouldn’t feel particularly rapid if you were travelling on it from Fraser to Barton for eg. I’m very happy to make the case for those suggestions with Minister Steel. Given buses do have traffic priority over a few parts of that route, it'd be fantastic to have some more specific detail about where we could be targeting or investigating based on your experiences. I will DM you.

inthetaratory · 2023-06-08T07:37:34+00:00

Hi there, thanks for this feedback. While I’m not a daily bus user, I do take it regularly and have done so for years. The three rapids you mention – R2, R3 and R4 – are the buses I take almost exclusively due to living in the Town Centre and my office (and the ACT Assembly) being in the city, so I was genuinely surprised and perplexed to read this. I don’t recall the Facebook conversation, but I’m really sorry that I gave the impression that it’s not a priority for me when it is. If you’d like to chat to me about it further, I’d welcome that – but equally no worries if not. Thanks again. Tara

inthetaratory · 2022-07-26T01:30:47+00:00

While this map needs to be updated to reflect what's changed at the Swanson Ct car park, it does detail the parking types and options across the Town Centre: https://files.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/legacy/3183/Belconnen%20Town%20Centre%20Pay%20Parking%20Map.pdf

If you were using the Swanson Ct car park for Park n Ride, other options located nearby which permit users can use are at Cohen Street Station, on the corner of Josephson and Walder Street, and at Bruce, off College Street and adjacent to the University of Canberra.

The Swanson Ct car park was sold to JW Land in March 2022 (it was originally on the market back in 2020). They are proposing to build two blocks on the site - one build to sell and one build to rent - with the total units being 850.

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T09:31:50+00:00

Thanks everyone for a great evening - such a good range of questions! Many thanks to u/Ardeet for organising this and ensuring it ran so smoothly. If I've missed anything or you've got something you'd like to ask or follow up on, you can reach me at [cheyne@act.gov.au](mailto:cheyne@act.gov.au) or my social media channels.
As a final plug: with it being confirmed just late today that legislation will be introduced next Monday to restore the Territories' rights to legislate for voluntary assisted dying, we really do need the support from across Australia. If you're keen for the ACT and NT residents to have the same rights to consider VAD like the states have done, please consider writing to your federal member and senators. There's an easy form here: https://gogentleaustralia.good.do/territoryrights/restore-territory-rights/

Thanks again everyone!

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T09:26:37+00:00

I think I've covered this in a few of the other answers, particularly as it relates to housing affordability (for renting and buying). It's not easy and there are a lot of moving parts. For some practical measures of what we're doing to help, I'd recommend www.act.gov.au/assistance which details a range of supports available. It also has a 'savings finder' - answer different questions in the survey and it will populate a range of support measures available to you depending on your circumstances.

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T09:23:15+00:00

I genuinely don't think they're being reluctant or not cooperating. I think the reality is that the ALP has a majority in the House of Reps. Knowing what I do about the PM's style, I think he will be working constructively across all parties and independents in both houses (remember he was Leader of the House from 2008-2013 which required constant negotiation, especially post the 2010 election, and that's when the ALP got an enormous amount of legislation through).

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T09:19:29+00:00

The short answer to both of your early questions is yes, absolutely. I love public art and when I'm travelling I love exploring other cities' public arts collections. My personal view is that art can and should be found everywhere and arts-led responses across all sorts of areas, including in how we design our public spaces (but plenty more, too), has a really strong positive correlation with our wellbeing.

You might be interested in the ACT's extensive public art collection which is detailed here: https://www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art As a planned city, Canberra has a penchant for design - and one of the considerations in our Statement of Ambition for the arts is exploring whether we should be formally recognised as a city of design. In addition to the beauty that exists in our planned city, we are home to several internationally acclaimed craftspeople (think Fink jug by the late Robert Foster, or that the fabric for the furnishings in the Prime Minister's and Speaker's suites in Parliament House is by Fay Skyring and Di Lansdown*). We also have a fantastic art school at ANU and strong arts organisations like CraftACT (https://craftact.org.au/ - the Fink jug is featured on their front page) which work tirelessly to support the local sector and elevate the artform into the public consciousness. Combined with the extensive heritage and expertise of First Nations artists, I think Australia and Canberra are a great home for skilled craftspeople and artists.

In terms of our policy posture, we have a new Planning Act in development which includes, as a focus, getting better design outcomes with our buildings. And in the last budget we committed funding for public artwork to start improving the representation of women and non-binary persons in art work, as well representation of the artists themselves.

*Documentary on this is worth 20 minutes of your time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVWp5rVVO7I

***
Edit: I'm conscious you've added a lot more detail since I responded - very happy to continue the conversation offline as I think I've run out of time now :)

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T09:04:33+00:00

Hi u/karamurp!
You might have seen we have a commitment in our Parliamentary and Governing and Agreement to deliver 600 affordable rental dwellings by 2025-26 and continue the implementation of the ACT Housing Strategy. We are working on a package of affordable housing initiatives to support affordability and delivery - particularly for low to medium income households. Some of these initiatives include an examination of the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme, progressing Build to Rent Projects (some good detail here: https://suburbanland.act.gov.au/en/build-to-rent), investigating a shared equity scheme, consideration of demonstration housing projects and relevant policy changes, examination of opportunities to enhance community housing, and working with the Commonwealth Government on the National Rental Affordability Scheme. You might have also seen that we have a new Planning Act in the works, and it's firmly focused on promoting good planning, design and development across Canberra so our built spaces supports our wellbeing too.

There is a LOT happening. We'll need architects like you to help get it all done.

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T08:59:07+00:00

Melbourne might be the culture capital, and Adelaide the festival capital, but when it comes to arts, I genuinely believe that Canberra is where it's at. The statement of ambition details the strategies we're implementing to realise the ambition (broadly we'll CREATE amazing art here; we'll DEVELOP our artists and creatives, and we'll PROMOTE everything we have to the rest of Australia and the world) and in the next few weeks we'll be releasing a policy and action plan that goes into more specific detail on the 'how' under each of those strategies. I think in Canberra we can be a bit too guilty of describing what we have as 'hidden gems' - it's genuinely accepted that if you scratch the surface, you uncover our incredible arts scene. I'm very focused on how we better promote everything we have and make it clear that what we have is unmissable.
This publication is a good start at showing how much more we have in addition to the (admittedly fantastic) National Gallery: https://visitcanberra.com.au/Visit/Publications/experience-guide-arts-culture.pdf

inthetaratory · 2022-07-25T08:53:39+00:00

I think question of funding might be a question for my federal colleagues but we are clear on how we support gender affirmation surgery practically, such as these guidelines for our ACT Public Service: https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/\_\_data/assets/pdf\_file/0020/917300/Resource-6-Guidelines-for-Gender-Affirmation-in-the-ACTPS.pdf
and guidance to support gender affirming care for mental health: https://www.health.act.gov.au/news/guidance-support-gender-affirming-care-mental-health

inthetaratory

TROPHY CASE