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.
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.
Exploring medicinal cannabis for opioid use disorder
Preliminary evidence suggests that medicinal cannabis could be a beneficial treatment option for opioid use disorder. Rachel asked the Minister for Health if the government would support greater investment into medicinal cannabis research, including its potential as a treatment for opioid use disorder.
Bring back drug infringement trial
Rachel asked if the government would consider bringing back a drug infringement trial that was previously proposed in 2022. With the guidance of an expert panel and working group, the drug infringement trial would have seen those caught with small quantities of drugs referred to education and/or treatment rather than incarceration. Not unlike the recommendations from the inquiry into cannabis law reform, this proposal has since been abandoned.
Needle and syringe programs save lives
Rachel spoke on the importance of needle and syringe programs in reducing harms associated with intravenous drug use. She noted politicised misconceptions that these programs facilitate drug addiction, asking the Minister what steps are being taken to address such misinformation.
Time’s up for archaic workplace drug testing laws
Rachel spoke on Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s motion to progress recommendations on workplace drug testing. The current workplace drug testing model is punitive and discriminates against medicinal cannabis patients. In 2023, Rachel participated in the Inquiry into Workplace drug testing, which was initiated by a motion moved by Legalise Cannabis Victoria. Recommendations were handed down subsequent to this inquiry, that are yet to be implemented by the Government.
North Richmond medically supervised injecting facility
After an independent review in 2023, the North Richmond precinct revitalisation interdepartmental committee was established to provide enhanced outreach services. Rachel asked the government if the committee is appropriately addressing community concerns and ensuring facility improvements meet community needs.
Pill testing bill passes second reading
On October 29th 2024, Rachel Payne MP made a contribution to the second reading of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 in the Victorian Legislative Council.
Synthetic opioid contamination requires rapid response
Wednesday the 11th of September 2024 Victorian Legislative Council Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan): My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Mental Health. This year there have been multiple reports in Victoria and across Australia of people consuming synthetic opioids, at times without their knowledge…