Zoning loophole raises alarm on environmental safeguards
Rachel asked a question on behalf of a constituent, pertaining to a landfill that was approved for placement adjacent to Churchill National Park in Lysterfield South.
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.
Mental health service gaps in Casey and Cardinia
Rachel asked a question to the minister for mental health. With Narre Warren’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub closing in 2024, residents have been transitioned to a Dandenong service. Many suburbs in the Casey and Cardinia catchment area continue to lack easily accessible wraparound public mental health services.
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 of the Peace shortage in South-Eastern suburbs
Rachel asked a question in parliament on behalf of a constituent, around a shortage of Justices of the Peace in areas of her electorate.
Truck traffic from proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station
Rachel asked a question on behalf of a constituent, regarding the likely increase of trucks travelling through suburban areas as a result of the proposed waste transfer station.
Vicarious liability law reform is a matter of urgency
Rachel asked the government to prioritise vicarious liability law reform as a matter of urgency.
Rachel is advocating for reform to ensure that victim-survivors of historical child abuse can access justice for crimes of abuse perpetrated in non-employment settings. This includes such settings as churches, foster care, Scouts and sports clubs.
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.
Government action needed on housing crisis
With housing affordability at a record low, Rachel noted a swell of Victorians calling for the declaration of a state of emergency. She asked if the Victorian government will commit to lowering house prices.
Evidence-based bail laws
Rachel asked the Premier to ensure that any further review of Victoria’s bail laws be evidence-led. With bail law changes recently implemented in December 2024, Rachel noted that motivators for crime must first be addressed for effective change.