Bus shelter for Chelsea
On behalf of a constituent, Rachel raised the need for a new bus shelter in Chelsea, to provide weather protection for local commuters.
‘No excuse’ to ignore preventable gendered violence
Rachel presented a member’s statement, reflecting on the 16 days of activism against family and intimate partner violence. She spoke about the tragic murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by their respective partner and father, with police ignoring multiple reports of violence and abuse until it was too late. Rachel calls on the government to direct their ‘tough on crime’ approach to address the systemic failures that lead to these tragic but preventable consequences.
Who’s cashing in as climate funding dries up?
Rachel asked the government about waste-to-energy caps and the subsequent impact on Victoria’s Sustainability Fund.
Protect kids, not reputations
Rachel asked if Victoria would follow suit with other states by banning good character references in child sexual abuse cases.
Prescribed ≠ Impaired
Rachel questioned the Minister for Police on the criminalisation of medicinal cannabis patients via roadside drug-testing. Unlike with other prescription medications, medicinal cannabis patients risk charges if a positive THC result is produced in a roadside drug test.
Coercive control bill “a blunt instrument for a complex problem”
Rachel spoke on a family violence motion which would create a standalone offence for coercive control. She acknowledged the deeply disturbing prevalence of family and intimate partner violence, and its well-established connection with coercive control. Rachel spoke to the evidence arising from stakeholder consultation and law changes in New South Wales, noting that effectiveness of a standalone offence is contentious and could be underutilised or otherwise cause harmful, unintended consequences.
It should not be a crime to ask for help
Rachel second read her private member’s bill, the Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025. If passed, this bill would decriminalise begging in Victoria. Rachel presented the bill’s compatibility with the Human Rights Charter, before speaking to the intersecting factors which cause people to beg for survival. Rachel urges the government to shift from a criminal justice response to begging, to a public health response.
Data needed to justify landfill buffer reduction
Rachel asked a question on behalf of a Cranbourne constituent. Rachel’s constituent raised concerns over the proposed redevelopment of the golf course into more than 1,000 new homes, due to its proximity to an active landfill and proposed waste transfer station site.
Protect workers without amplifying inequality
Rachel made a contribution to the Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Bill 2025. She noted that a rise in retail theft is largely driven by cost-of-living increases. She asserted that while worker safety is essential, new laws must be fair and effective and not exacerbate inequality. As such, a two-year statutory review is essential to determine effectiveness and address any unintended consequences.
Wellsprings for Women: Story is Connection
Rachel spoke about her visit to Wellsprings for Women to watch a performance. Wellsprings for Women is a non-profit organisation in Dandenong, which supports women from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Their performance entitled ‘Story is Connection’ highlights issues that have affected the lives of these women, exploring their stories of overcoming barriers with strength, resilience and compassion.