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.

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.

Rachel asked the government to commit to funding improved bus services in Greater Dandenong, as current services are not meeting community needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rachel spoke about her recent meeting with the Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium, to focus on sustainable solutions for systemic change.

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.