Rachel second read her private member’s bill, the Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025. If passed, this bill would decriminalise begging in Victoria. Rachel presented the bill’s compatibility with the Human Rights Charter, before speaking to the intersecting factors which cause people to beg for survival. Rachel urges the government to shift from a criminal justice response to begging, to a public health response.
Rachel welcomed reforms to legislation on non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment cases.
Rachel Payne addressed the Liberal’s ‘Safer Protest’ bill, and spoke on the Safer Protest with a Registration System and a Ban on Face Coverings Bill 2025. Rachel asserted that this bill provides no guidance on addressing the risks of violent protests by hate-groups, instead offering greater move-on powers to police: “This bill does not provide guidance on how we might respond to groups like the fascists, merely on the means to stop any protest.”
Rachel introduced the Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025. If passed, this bill would bring Victoria in line with NSW, WA and ACT in decriminalising begging. Currently in Victoria, begging is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum 12-month prison sentence, and hefty fines.
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.
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.
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.
Rachel made a contribution to the Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025. On behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, Rachel proposed amendments, advocating that medicinal cannabis that does not impair driving must be treated in the same manner as other prescription drugs.
Rachel Payne made a contribution in parliament to the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2024, on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, and her colleague David Ettershank MP.
Rachel contributed to the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, speaking to the need for mandatory changes to minimise gambling harms.
