Rachel announced the launch of her new podcast, ‘My Joint’. On My Joint, honest conversations replace stigma. As the podcast demonstrates, the cannabis community is diverse, and cannabis consumers cannot be typecasted. Each week, Rachel sits down with experts, advocates, and everyday Australians to unpack the myths, realities, and the future of cannabis.
Rachel asked the government to prioritise the introduction of standalone industrial hemp legislation. As a versatile and sustainable material for fuel, construction and cosmetics, the benefits of hemp are far-reaching. However, the Victorian government are still behind the eight-ball on hemp industry growth and investment. Rachel called on the government to remove the barriers to industrial hemp licensing, as industry growth would in turn assist Victorians with oil shortages, cost-of-living and affordable housing.
The 8th of March marked International Women’s Day. During her member’s statement, Rachel encouraged the men in the Legislative Council to reflect on power and how they are helping to “balance the scales”.
Rachel spoke on the government’s Education and Training Reform Amendment (Free TAFE Guarantee) Bill 2026. Rachel and Legalise Cannabis supported the provision of free TAFE, however noted that the guarantee features a narrow focus and cannot be legally enforced. In her speech, Rachel also raised the untapped potential of cannabis-related studies, to support a local cannabis market and hemp industry.
Rachel spoke on the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Follow the Money) Bill 2026, presented by the Liberal party. This bill would expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to investigate potential corruption from misuse of public funds.
Rachel spoke on the government’s Justice Legislation Further Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025. This bill extends the operation of the County Court Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, improves the fines system in Victoria, and expands penalties for bestiality crimes.
Rachel questioned the government on the Entities Legislation Amendment (Consolidation and Other Matters) Bill 2025.
She inquired about the consultation process regarding leadership teams of affected organisations and individuals with lived experience of mental illness and psychological distress.
Rachel also asked how the changes of the bill royal commission’s commitment to lived experience leadership, rights-based practice and independent oversight.
Rachel made a contribution to the Entities Legislation Amendment (Consolidation and Other Matters) Bill 2025.
Rachel spoke on the Crimes Amendment Bill 2026, expressing why the bill will not be supported by Legalise Cannabis Victoria.
The amendment will make it easier for police to commence adult prosecutions for serious vilification offences, as police would no longer need consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This raises serious concerns around protest, as the government have been unable to answer as to which behaviours they are seeking to prosecute more readily.
Rachel intended to speak in support of a bill to expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
