Non-disclosure agreement reforms lift veil of silence
Rachel welcomed reforms to legislation on non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment cases.
Rossdale Golf Course development proposal lands over par
Rachel intended to speak on a petition opposing the rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course in Aspendale for housing development. While she did not get a chance to speak in the chamber, Rachel’s speech is published, below.
Labor’s glaring hypocrisy on cannabis reform
Rachel spoke on a motion by Legalise Cannabis Victoria. The motion was a response to the Labor government’s continued criminalisation of cannabis. Rachel urged the Victorian Labor government to reconsider its position on cannabis decriminalisation, noting previous endorsement by Victorian Labor Members.
Judge bills on merit, not party lines
Rachel calls on the Victorian government to end their policy of not supporting private members bills. Private members bills give non-government members and backbenchers the opportunity to put forward proposals to change the law to be considered by the government.
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill: Protecting the right to choose
Rachel spoke on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill 2025. Rachel acknowledges the evidence supporting individuals’ right to choose.
Cannabis for women’s pain management
During World Menopause Month, Rachel hosted a forum on women’s health in her electorate. The forum centred around the benefits of cannabis for managing pain symptoms from conditions including endometriosis and menopause. She noted the stigma that many women face when accessing or speaking about medicinal cannabis for pain management, as opposed to other medications such as opioids.
Liberal’s ‘Safer Protest’ bill could prevent peaceful protest
Rachel Payne addressed the Liberal’s ‘Safer Protest’ bill, and spoke on the Safer Protest with a Registration System and a Ban on Face Coverings Bill 2025. Rachel asserted that this bill provides no guidance on addressing the risks of violent protests by hate-groups, instead offering greater move-on powers to police: “This bill does not provide guidance on how we might respond to groups like the fascists, merely on the means to stop any protest.”
‘Weak and cowardly’ government reject cannabis reform
Rachel spoke on the government’s response to the Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023. Despite working with the government in good faith, recommendations from the inquiry have been rejected. Rachel called the government out for “lacking courage” and misdirecting a “tough on crime” approach by continuing to waste millions of dollars prosecuting individuals for possessing small quantities of cannabis.
Statewide Treaty Bill 2025
Rachel welcomed the introduction of a Treaty for the First Peoples of Victoria. Rachel describes Treaty as “our chance to walk together side by side, with respect, with understanding and with a shared vision for a future that includes us all.” Rachel and Legalise Cannabis Victoria are proud to support this historic legislation.
Domestic Animals Amendment Bill 2025
Rachel spoke on the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025.