Protest Victorians’ rights to peacefully protest
Rachel asked the government for assurance that proposed protest law changes will not infringe on Victorians’ rights to peacefully protest.
Waste-to-energy could cause more problems than it solves
Rachel noted some of the associated risks of waste-to-energy, questioning why the state government is committing to six new plants despite potential harms.
Bus driver travel passes
Rachel advocated that travel passes for bus drivers should be extended to all drivers, regardless of part-time or full-time employment status.
IVF treatment regulation
Rachel asked the Minister for Health what the government is doing to ensure the uniform regulation of assisted reproductive treatment.
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.
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.