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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rachel Payne asked her Constituency question to the Minister for Housing, calling for better rental affordability in Casey.
