Victoria is sleeping on police shortage solutions
While Rachel agreed upon the temporary measure to support Victoria Police at a time of police shortage, she reiterated several long-term solutions that would free up police time and resources.
Medicinal Cannabis Driving Trial: Where’s the update?
Rachel asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety for an update on the 18-month medicinal cannabis driving trial.
YES to cautions, not arrests for possession
Rachel summed up her motion on police cautions instead of arrests for cannabis personal use possession. After listening to the evidence presented, the Legislative Council debated and ultimately agreed to the motion.
Cautions Not Cuffs: Time to Make Existing Police Policy the Law
Cannabis has been prohibited in Australia for almost a century. It is a failed policy. Australians continue to consume cannabis and they always will. In 2024 Victoria police acknowledged this, updating the Victorian Police Operational Manual to make cautioning the default option for minor, personal possession. It was the right call. But the arrests keep coming. Today, LCV is calling for what should have already happened: make cautioning the law.
‘Weak and cowardly’ government reject cannabis reform
Rachel spoke on the government’s response to the Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023. Despite working with the government in good faith, recommendations from the inquiry have been rejected. Rachel called the government out for “lacking courage” and misdirecting a “tough on crime” approach by continuing to waste millions of dollars prosecuting individuals for possessing small quantities of cannabis.
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.
Cannabis reform: “It’s time”
Rachel presented a member’s statement on her attendance to the 2025 David Penington Oration. This year’s oration was presented by former Magistrate of the Victorian Drug court, Tony Parsons.
Cannabis regulation recommendations: Government deadline fast approaches
Rachel asked if the Government will respond to recommendations from the Inquiry into the Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis Bill 2023, before the September deadline.
Cannabis decriminalisation in the ACT
Rachel spoke in parliament about a recent trip to Canberra to discuss the impacts of cannabis decriminalisation with stakeholders.
Southeast MP secures inquiry into relaxing cannabis laws in Victoria
Southeast Metro MP Rachel Payne has secured a state parliament review of the pros and cons of allowing people to possess small amounts of cannabis.
Ms Payne, a member of Legalise Cannabis Victoria and Southeast resident, wants adults to be able to possess small quantities of cannabis for personal use and grow up to six plants at home without fear of prosecution.