Public education funding
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.
Improve bus services in Greater Dandenong
Rachel asked the government to commit to funding improved bus services in Greater Dandenong, as current services are not meeting community needs.
Waste incineration and landfill targets
Rachel questioned the government on waste management. She inquired about waste management targets and the establishment of large-scale waste incineration over a circular economy.
South East Community Links
Rachel spoke about her recent visit to South East Community Links (SECL). South East Community Links provide a range of services and supports to enhance individual wellbeing and foster a sense of community in the South-Eastern suburbs.
Southside Justice sex worker legal program
Rachel asked the government for a commitment to continue funding Southside Justice’s legal program for sex workers. As one of only two services of its kind in the country, this program has provided legal assistance to workers in the sex industry since 2022. Funding is set to cease in December, which will impede access to trauma-informed legal assistance for common issues such as non-payment and assault.
Stop the lockdowns at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Rachel asked the Minister for Corrections to stop lockdowns at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. Usually reserved for emergency situations, women in these prisons have been frequently kept in states of solitary confinement due to changes in administrative processes and rostering.
North Richmond medically supervised injecting facility
After an independent review in 2023, the North Richmond precinct revitalisation interdepartmental committee was established to provide enhanced outreach services. Rachel asked the government if the committee is appropriately addressing community concerns and ensuring facility improvements meet community needs.
Decision to deny Hampton Park waste transfer station must be upheld
Waste company Veolia have been denied a permit to construct a waste transfer station in Hampton Park. An environmental impact assessment by the EPA noting “unacceptable risks to human health”. Despite this, Veolia are now appealing the decision through VCAT based on a minor technicality. Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Rachel sought assurance from the Minister that this project will not go ahead.
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.
Criminal reoffending persists unless root causes addressed
With the government investing $727Â million in Victoria’s justice system, Rachel asked the Minister for Corrections about therapeutic services for those in correctional facilities. Since tighter bail restrictions are increasing incarceration rates, Rachel expressed the need for therapeutic supports in prisons to prevent re-offending and promote better outcomes.