Justices of the Peace in Victoria
Rachel asked a written question around statistics on Justices of the Peace in Victoria.
Cannabis reform: “It’s time”
Rachel presented a member’s statement on her attendance to the 2025 David Penington Oration. This year’s oration was presented by former Magistrate of the Victorian Drug court, Tony Parsons.
Stamp out AFL homophobia
Rachel asked the government to take meaningful steps to eradicate the deeply ingrained homophobic culture in the Australian Football League.
Landfill emissions monitoring
Harmful carcinogens, neurotoxins, PFAS and ultrafine particles are emitted by the hazardous waste landfill site on Taylor’s Road in Dandenong South, yet these emissions are not monitored by the EPA. Rachel asked for an expansion on the types of emissions which the EPA monitors, to ensure air quality for constituents in the vicinity of this site.
Mandatory genetic testing for unexplained child deaths
Rachel asked the government to implement routine genetic testing, in cases where a deceased person is under 20 years old and cause of death is unclear. The ‘Coroners Project’ campaign was established by Danielle Green and her husband Leon, who tragically lost their two young children to a rare genetic mutation.
Housing is a human right
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Amendment (Right to Housing) Bill 2025 was second read in the Legislative Council on the 27th of August. Rachel supported the bill however did not get the chance to present her speech in the chamber.
‘Post and boast’ performance crimes
Rachel spoke on the Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill 2025. Rachel acknowledged community fears around an increase in crime, with criminals ‘posting and boasting’ about their offences. However, she expressed that this amendment creates a “slippery slope” that could lead to unintended consequences. Rachel questioned the Minister on the impacts of this bill on drug offences, youth incarceration and homophobic attacks.
Rossdale golf course redevelopment threatens biodiversity
The proposed rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course for residential purposes has caused community unrest due to environmental concerns and a lack of community input. On behalf of a constituent, Rachel asked for assurance that thorough environmental assessments will be completed before greenlighting any development.
Prevent inhumane treatment in detention
Rachel urged on the Attorney-General to implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). To honour the OPCAT agreement, state and territory governments must create a National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) to conduct inspections at places of detention. With more bail amendments and evidence indicating the need for greater oversight in Victoria’s prison system, there is a clear necessity to implement OPCAT for the protection of incarcerated individuals.
Bail amendments target the marginalised
Rachel spoke on the Bail Further Amendment Bill 2025. She criticised the bill for introducing harsh measures likely to disproportionately affect young and marginalised people, with limited consultation and safeguards. She called for a more evidence-based, rehabilitative approach to youth crime, proposing a sunset clause on the new bail test to ensure accountability and future review.