Protect kids, not reputations
Rachel asked if Victoria would follow suit with other states by banning good character references in child sexual abuse cases.
Vicarious liability: protect legislation from evasive tactics
Rachel questioned the government on vicarious liability reform. Rachel asked the government how vicarious liability laws will be protected from tactics from institutions to avoid accountability for historical child sexual abuse offences.
A Day of Reckoning for Institutions that Enable the Abuse of Children
Today, the Victorian Government introduced a bill to improve access to compensation for victim-survivors of institutional child abuse. It is our job as legislators to get the right outcome, and we commend the government for doing what we and countless have been calling for – the removal of absurd vicarious liability loopholes.
No Exceptions for Abusers: Putting Survivors first on National Survivor’s Day 2025
Today is National Survivor’s Day and while we commend the Victorian Government’s recent announcement that they will introduce retrospective vicarious liability laws by the end of the year, we are concerned that loopholes will be left in place for other “volunteer” employees.
Transparency on initial review of Victoria’s working with children scheme
Rachel requested the immediate tabling of documents relating to the Department of Government Services 2025 initial review of Victoria’s working with children scheme.
Recent news has called attention to child abuse cases within the childcare sector, perpetrated by workers who held valid working with children checks. This has emphasised the overdue need for reform of the Victorian working with children check system.
Vicarious liability laws must be comprehensive
Rachel asked a constituency question about proposed changes to the Wrongs Act 1958. Earlier this year, Rachel submitted a private member’s bill to the Victorian Legislative Council, which would hold institutions vicariously liable for child abuse committed by ‘non-employees’.
While this bill did not pass, the Government have agreed to reform the law so that victim-survivors can access justice. After concerns from community members that the reform will be limited to crimes of abuse perpetrated within the church, Rachel sought confirmation that the law reform will be inclusive of all relevant settings.
Working with children check system needs national reform
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.
Protect 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.
Legalise Cannabis MP demanded justice for child sexual abuse survivors, applauds pending law change
South-East MP Rachel Payne – who has been working for justice for survivors of child sexual abuse – has welcomed news that the law will be changed in Victoria, to make institutions accountable for past wrongdoings of clergy and volunteers.
Ms Payne of the Legalise Cannabis Party introduced her own bill to hold institutions, such as the Catholic Church and community sporting clubs, answerable for child sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and volunteers.
Vicarious liability law reform is a matter of urgency
Rachel asked the government to prioritise vicarious liability law reform as a matter of urgency.
Rachel is advocating for reform to ensure that victim-survivors of historical child abuse can access justice for crimes of abuse perpetrated in non-employment settings. This includes such settings as churches, foster care, Scouts and sports clubs.