Classic black and white photo of an old tobacconist shop facade on a quiet street corner.
|

Tobacco Amendment Bill 2024

Rachel Payne MP made a contribution to the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Bill 2024. In her contribution, Rachel acknowledged the threat of gang warfare as a result of the illicit tobacco trade, while highlighting her concerns around this bill to properly eradicate the trade, the risk of potential harm to legitimate small business and the bill’s failure to address drug harm reduction.

Close-up of a wooden gavel on a desk, symbolizing justice and legal authority.
|

Justice access for child sexual abuse victim-survivors

The recent High Court decision of Bird v. DP held that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ballarat could not be held vicariously liable for known historical child sexual abuse because Father Coffey was not an employee.
For many survivors of historical child sexual abuse committed in the church or other non-employment settings like foster care and Scouts, this decision limits their ability to access justice.

Pomegranate Poured From a Syringe in a Surgical Glove
|

Assisted Reproductive Treatment – Surrogacy legislation

Rachel Payne MP directed a question on notice to the Attorney-General, relating to Assisted Reproductive Treatment legislation.
A final report was released in 2019 by Michael Gorton AM, providing recommendations to be implemented for the amendment and modernisation of laws regarding Assisted Reproductive Treatment.

Synthetic opioid contamination requires rapid response
|

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…