Safeguarding bodily autonomy for intersex children
Rachel spoke in contribution to the government’s Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025.
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.
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.
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.
Working with Children Checks
Rachel called on the Victorian Premier to include child abuse prevention education as a mandatory requirement for Working with Children Check applicants.
Maternal & Child Health in Casey
Rachel directs a constituency question to the Minister for Health relating to maternal and child health (MCH) in the City of Casey.