Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024
Rachel contributed to the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, speaking to the need for mandatory changes to minimise gambling harms.
Waste incineration and landfill targets
Rachel questioned the government on waste management. She inquired about waste management targets and the establishment of large-scale waste incineration over a circular economy.
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.
Decision to deny Hampton Park waste transfer station must be upheld
Waste company Veolia have been denied a permit to construct a waste transfer station in Hampton Park. An environmental impact assessment by the EPA noting “unacceptable risks to human health”. Despite this, Veolia are now appealing the decision through VCAT based on a minor technicality. Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Rachel sought assurance from the Minister that this project will not go ahead.
South-east MP vows to fight for justice for child sexual abuse survivors
Rachel Payne MP has vowed to keep pushing the government to make institutions accountable for the historic child sexual abuse, but she was unable to secure a law change this week.
Assisted reproductive treatment regulation
Rachel asked the Minister for Health to ensure that the regulation of IVF is on the national agenda. The Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) was dissolved at the end of 2024. With news of embryo mix-ups and a 2022 report by the Victorian Agency for Health Information suggesting that IVF clinics might be under-reporting dangerous incidents, there are major concerns around the regulation of assisted reproductive treatment.
Abortion care is health care
Rachel spoke in parliament on the need for affordability, consistency and accessibility across abortion services, and outlined the harms of abortion refusal.
Tobacco Amendment Bill 2024
Rachel Payne MP made a contribution to the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Bill 2024.
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.
