Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium
Rachel spoke about her recent meeting with the Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium, to focus on sustainable solutions for systemic change.
Rainbow Libraries Toolkit criticism is ‘perplexing’
Rachel spoke in support of Victoria’s Rainbow Libraries Toolkit, in response to a petition calling for the cessation of its rollout. The Rainbow Libraries Toolkit was developed as a guide for library staff on ensuring safety, inclusion and equality for all Victorians accessing public libraries.
Report released on inquiry into Personal Adult Use of Cannabis
Last month, the Legal and Social Issues Committee conducted an inquiry into Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023. The findings of this inquiry have been released in a report today.
Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill
Rachel spoke on the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill 2024.
This bill makes several changes to improve access to justice for victim-survivors of sexual offences, including the prohibition of cross-examination at the committal stage of any witnesses in sexual offence cases, family violence cases and stalking cases.
Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill
Rachel spoke on the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria. Considering the recent rise in gendered violence and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, Rachel welcomes increased protections for her community.
Cannabis decriminalisation in the ACT
Rachel spoke in parliament about a recent trip to Canberra to discuss the impacts of cannabis decriminalisation with stakeholders.
Transparency needed on police oversight in Victoria
Rachel spoke on a lack of transparency around police oversight in Victoria. She noted that more than 95% of IBAC complaints about Victoria Police are sent back to Victoria Police for investigation. A systemic review of police oversight concluded in 2022, however the report is yet to be made public.
Tenants Victoria
Rachel spoke in parliament about a recent visit to Tenants Victoria. Tenants Victoria provide advice to individual renters on a wide range of tenancy issues. With more Victorians renting than ever before, this crucial service requires greater funding to meet community needs.
Abortion care is health care
Rachel spoke in parliament on the need for affordability, consistency and accessibility across abortion services, and outlined the harms of abortion refusal.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on the 20th of November. On this internationally recognised date, we honour the memories of trans and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. In her member’s statement, Rachel Payne MP conveyed a message of hope and solidarity to the trans and gender-diverse community.