Incentivise affordable housing in the South-East
While council-owned land can be rezoned for social and affordable housing development, the state government absorbs a significant portion of funds through the application of windfall gains tax.
Committee inquiry into Waste-to-Energy Infrastructure in Victoria
As a participating member of the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Rachel raised several questions for the panel of stakeholders and industry experts during the final day of the public hearing.
Cautions not cuffs: Personal use possession
Rachel presented a motion on police cautions for cannabis possession. In 2024, Victoria Police updated their operations manual to prioritise cautions over arrests, for individuals possessing small quantities of cannabis for personal adult use.
Aged care residents have a right to die with dignity
Rachel noted that reports indicate a denial of access to information on voluntary assisted dying, among terminally ill aged care residents. Rachel called on the Minister for Ageing to take steps toward ensuring that information on voluntary assisted dying is freely available to patients, and for greater oversight around respecting patients’ rights to end their own life with dignity at home.
Victory for Locals: VCAT Bins Filthy Dump Proposal in Hampton Park
Casey residents can breathe a collective sigh of relief – VCAT has upheld a decision to deny a contentious waste-transfer station in Hampton Park. Residents didn’t want it, the EPA rejected it and local Member Rachel Payne stood with residents to fight against it. Veolia fought all the way to VCAT, but they lost!
My Joint podcast
Rachel announced the launch of her new podcast, ‘My Joint’. On My Joint, honest conversations replace stigma. As the podcast demonstrates, the cannabis community is diverse, and cannabis consumers cannot be typecasted. Each week, Rachel sits down with experts, advocates, and everyday Australians to unpack the myths, realities, and the future of cannabis.
Cardinia residents can’t get to TAFE
As Cardinia residents lack accessible TAFE options, Rachel asked if the government would commit to establishing a TAFE location within Cardinia Shire. Given the government’s focus on free TAFE with the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Free TAFE Guarantee) Bill 2026, campus accessibility must be considered.
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.
South Eastern councils need state support for affordable housing
Rachel asked if the government would consider windfall gains tax exemptions for councils for the purpose of meeting community social and affordable housing needs.
Sustainable funding for Knox library
On behalf of a constituent in her electorate, Rachel called for sustainable funding for valuable local community service, Knox Library (Ngarrgoo).