Tuesday the 12th of August was World Elephant Day. This is a day dedicated to the preservation and protection of these beautiful, endangered creatures. Rachel sponsors an Asian elephant named Jokia, who was rescued from cruelty and now resides at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Rachel spoke on Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s motion to progress recommendations on workplace drug testing. The current workplace drug testing model is punitive and discriminates against medicinal cannabis patients. In 2023, Rachel participated in the Inquiry into Workplace drug testing, which was initiated by a motion moved by Legalise Cannabis Victoria. Recommendations were handed down subsequent to this inquiry, that are yet to be implemented by the Government.
Rachel requested the immediate tabling of documents relating to the Department of Government Services 2025 initial review of Victoria’s working with children scheme.
Recent news has called attention to child abuse cases within the childcare sector, perpetrated by workers who held valid working with children checks. This has emphasised the overdue need for reform of the Victorian working with children check system.
Rachel asked the Legislative Council to consider Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s amendments to the Roads and Ports Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025. These amendments would afford drivers who are prescribed medicinal cannabis the same freedom as those on other legal prescriptions, given that they are not impaired. While these crucial amendments were supported by the Greens and several crossbenchers, they were ultimately negatived.
Rachel made a contribution to the Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025. On behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, Rachel proposed amendments, advocating that medicinal cannabis that does not impair driving must be treated in the same manner as other prescription drugs.
Rachel made a contribution to a tabled petition, advocating against the development of Veolia’s waste transfer station in Hampton Park. With the proposed site located 250 metres from homes and over 500 trucks set to be deployed through the local area, Rachel spoke on the inevitable disruption to the local community.
Rachel spoke about attending the launch of the new Ozharvest South-East hub launch. The launch of this new hub means an extra 6000 meals can be saved from becoming food waste each week. Ozharvest currently ‘rescues’ 174 tonnes of food each month, working with 137 charities to distribute meals across the community.
Rachel Payne made a contribution in parliament to the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2024, on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, and her colleague David Ettershank MP.
Rachel contributed to the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, speaking to the need for mandatory changes to minimise gambling harms.
Rachel spoke on a motion to investigate delays to Victorian public education funding. The government has delayed raising school funding to 75% of the schooling resource standard until 2031.
