Incentivise affordable housing in the South-East
While council-owned land can be rezoned for social and affordable housing development, the state government absorbs a significant portion of funds through the application of windfall gains tax.
South Eastern councils need state support for affordable housing
Rachel asked if the government would consider windfall gains tax exemptions for councils for the purpose of meeting community social and affordable housing needs.
A Sinking Feeling: Why on Earth are we Building Homes on Floodplains?
Residents in South-East Melbourne face skyrocketing home insurance premiums, high flood- related excesses and are struggling to get insured as new housing developments are proposed on historical floodplains.
More Please: When Survival Becomes a Crime
Begging is a criminal offence in Victoria. It is punishable by up to twelve months in prison. In the most progressive state, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, you can go to prison for being poor.
Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025
Rachel introduced the Summary Offences Amendment (Begging) Bill 2025. If passed, this bill would bring Victoria in line with NSW, WA and ACT in decriminalising begging. Currently in Victoria, begging is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum 12-month prison sentence, and hefty fines.
Housing is a human right
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Amendment (Right to Housing) Bill 2025 was second read in the Legislative Council on the 27th of August. Rachel supported the bill however did not get the chance to present her speech in the chamber.
Criminalisation of begging punishes Victoria’s most vulnerable
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.
Government action needed on housing crisis
With housing affordability at a record low, Rachel noted a swell of Victorians calling for the declaration of a state of emergency. She asked if the Victorian government will commit to lowering house prices.
Allan govt must extend the Victorian Homebuyers Fund
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne is calling on the Allan government to extend the Victorian Homebuyers Fund because the Commonwealth Government’s proposed ‘Help to Buy’ scheme would exclude more than half a million Victorians from applying.
Victoria’s Big Housing Build and affordable rentals
Rachel Payne MP addressed a question without notice to the Housing Minister, Minister Shing. Rachel noted the dire need for affordable housing amidst a housing crisis, inquiring about the progress and availability of proposed social and low-cost housing for Victorians.