Rachel asked the Attorney-General to make steps toward ending the criminalisation of begging in Victoria, expressing the importance of acknowledging the intersectional factors which lead individuals to beg. Arresting and fining those who are experiencing hardship only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and punish the community’s most vulnerable.
In February, Rachel called on the Premier for greater safeguards to be implemented through the working with children check system, on a national level. This call was not responded to. Meanwhile, reports of serial child predators within the childcare system have horrified the nation.
Rachel again asked for a cohesive, nationally harmonised approach to ensure that working with children checks are serving their intended purpose.
Rachel asked when the Attorney-General will implement recommendation 24, as stated in the “2022 Government Response to the Recommendations of the Inquiry into responses to historical forced adoption in Victoria.” Recommendation 24 proposed that “The Victorian Government investigate removing the requirement to prove a significant…
Rachel asked the government for assurance that proposed protest law changes will not infringe on Victorians’ rights to peacefully protest.
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.
Rachel advocated that travel passes for bus drivers should be extended to all drivers, regardless of part-time or full-time employment status.
Rachel asked the Minister for Health what the government is doing to ensure the uniform regulation of assisted reproductive treatment.
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 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.
