Complaints processes must be accessible
Rachel asked how the Minister will ensure that Monash Health’s complaints process is made more accessible to individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with a disability.
Regulating Informal Assisted Reproductive Treatment
Rachel has previously raised her concerns in the chamber about the dissolution of the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA), which was responsible for the regulation of Assisted Reproductive Treatment, and education programs.
With informal ‘rogue’ sperm donors exploiting women and putting families at risk, Rachel asked what the government is doing to regulate informal sperm donation and educate the public on its potential harms.
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.
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.
End medication discrimination
Rachel spoke on a bill presented by her Legalise Cannabis Victoria colleague, David Ettershank MP. The Equal Opportunity Amendment (Medical Treatment) Bill 2026 amends the Equal Opportunity Act to prevent discrimination on the grounds of treatment for a medical condition. While this would encapsulate discrimination against medicinal cannabis patients, it is inclusive of all types of medication prescribed to treat a medical condition. If passed, this bill would include lawful protections against treatment-based discrimination in a variety of settings including employment, education, community clubs, accommodation and more.
Medical mandatory reporting responsiveness
On the back of harrowing reports of serious surgical misconduct at Melbourne Private Hospital, Rachel noted a disparity of care within the health system, among women and people who menstruate, Rachel asked the Minister what is being done to ensure that mandatory reporting obligations are taken seriously.
Petition: No Sunbury incinerator
Rachel spoke on a petition tabled by her Legalise Cannabis Victoria colleague, David Ettershank, member for Western Metropolitan. This petition called on the Minister for Planning to halt any progress toward a waste incinerator in Sunbury, citing concerns such as air pollution, impact on ecosystems and proximity to residential development.
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.
Dandenong South Incinerator Has Residents Inflamed
Late last year Rachel Payne MP raised the rapid expansion of Waste to Energy (WtE) in Victoria in Parliament. Despite serious environmental and health concerns, enormous rubbish incinerators are either being built or planned in a so-called “ring of fire” around Melbourne.
Ambulance Victoria: Time remains for reform
Rachel contributed to a motion on Ambulance Victoria. She noted key areas for improvement as identified in the 2025 inquiry, while acknowledging the April deadline for the implementation of recommendations.