Outdoor Recreation Bill puts hunters before environment
Rachel voted against the government’s Outdoor Recreation Victoria Bill 2026 and supported a motion to refer the legislation to a bill review.
End medication discrimination
Rachel spoke on a bill presented by her Legalise Cannabis Victoria colleague, David Ettershank MP. The Equal Opportunity Amendment (Medical Treatment) Bill 2026 amends the Equal Opportunity Act to prevent discrimination on the grounds of treatment for a medical condition. While this would encapsulate discrimination against medicinal cannabis patients, it is inclusive of all types of medication prescribed to treat a medical condition. If passed, this bill would include lawful protections against treatment-based discrimination in a variety of settings including employment, education, community clubs, accommodation and more.
Victoria needs free TAFE, but are we missing a ‘growing’ opportunity?
Rachel spoke on the government’s Education and Training Reform Amendment (Free TAFE Guarantee) Bill 2026. Rachel and Legalise Cannabis supported the provision of free TAFE, however noted that the guarantee features a narrow focus and cannot be legally enforced. In her speech, Rachel also raised the untapped potential of cannabis-related studies, to support a local cannabis market and hemp industry.
Strengthen investigative powers into government spending
Rachel spoke on the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Follow the Money) Bill 2026, presented by the Liberal party. This bill would expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to investigate potential corruption from misuse of public funds.
Omnibus bill promises broad justice reforms
Rachel spoke on the government’s Justice Legislation Further Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025. This bill extends the operation of the County Court Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, improves the fines system in Victoria, and expands penalties for bestiality crimes.
Entities Legislation Amendment Bill: Impact on Victoria’s mental health system
Rachel questioned the government on the Entities Legislation Amendment (Consolidation and Other Matters) Bill 2025.
She inquired about the consultation process regarding leadership teams of affected organisations and individuals with lived experience of mental illness and psychological distress.
Rachel also asked how the changes of the bill royal commission’s commitment to lived experience leadership, rights-based practice and independent oversight.
Government bill seeks to cut integral oversight bodies
Rachel made a contribution to the Entities Legislation Amendment (Consolidation and Other Matters) Bill 2025.
Expand IBAC powers to stamp out political corruption
Rachel intended to speak in support of a bill to expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
It should not be a crime to ask for help
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.
Non-disclosure agreement reforms lift veil of silence
Rachel welcomed reforms to legislation on non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment cases.