With seven new licenses granted for waste-to-energy plants last week and the government increasing the annual cap on waste burning by 150%, it seems the future of Victoria’s waste management is going up in smoke. But not all waste-to-energy is created equal.
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.
Rubbish is a global problem, and Australians produce more of it than most. Victoria’s dumps are overflowing, and our recycling system has been a debacle. The Victorian Government’s solution is called “Waste to Energy” (WtE), which conjures images of our excessive lifestyles being harnessed to produce power — but it’s greenwashing.
Rachel asked the Attorney-General a question on victim-survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, whose cases will be decided before vicarious liability laws are reformed. In lieu of passing Rachel’s private member’s bill to effect change to vicarious liability laws, the Victorian government have committed to amending the Wrongs Act 1958. These changes would allow institutions to be held liable for crimes of child sexual abuse perpetrated by “non-employees”. However, victim-survivors who are already engaged in the judicial process could have their cases decided before these changes are passed. Rachel sought clarity on how the changes will affect these individuals.
Rachel asked the Attorney-General to make steps toward ending the criminalisation of begging in Victoria, expressing the importance of acknowledging the intersectional factors which lead individuals to beg. Arresting and fining those who are experiencing hardship only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and punish the community’s most vulnerable.
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.
Rachel made a contribution to the Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025. On behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, Rachel proposed amendments, advocating that medicinal cannabis that does not impair driving must be treated in the same manner as other prescription drugs.
Rachel made a contribution to a tabled petition, advocating against the development of Veolia’s waste transfer station in Hampton Park. With the proposed site located 250 metres from homes and over 500 trucks set to be deployed through the local area, Rachel spoke on the inevitable disruption to the local community.
Rachel noted some of the associated risks of waste-to-energy, questioning why the state government is committing to six new plants despite potential harms.
Rachel asked the Minister for Health what the government is doing to ensure the uniform regulation of assisted reproductive treatment.
