Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission cuts
On behalf of a constituent, Rachel asked the government about staffing cuts to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
Cannabis decriminalisation frees up police resources
Rachel called on the Minister for Police to decriminalise cannabis. Violent crimes have taken precedence in allocation of police resources. However, cannabis arrests are still occurring, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people statistically overrepresented. Decriminalisation would ensure that police resources can be prioritised where they are most needed.
Justices of the Peace in Victoria
Rachel asked a written question around statistics on Justices of the Peace in Victoria.
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.
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.
Needle and syringe programs save lives
Rachel spoke on the importance of needle and syringe programs in reducing harms associated with intravenous drug use. She noted politicised misconceptions that these programs facilitate drug addiction, asking the Minister what steps are being taken to address such misinformation.
Better buses in Kingston
Kingston Council have conducted a community survey around local bus services, identifying several routes in need of upgrade in the South-East. Rachel asked if the government would respond to this community need.