Protest Victorians’ rights to peacefully protest
Rachel asked the government for assurance that proposed protest law changes will not infringe on Victorians’ rights to peacefully protest.
Legalise Cannabis MP demanded justice for child sexual abuse survivors, applauds pending law change
South-East MP Rachel Payne – who has been working for justice for survivors of child sexual abuse – has welcomed news that the law will be changed in Victoria, to make institutions accountable for past wrongdoings of clergy and volunteers.
Ms Payne of the Legalise Cannabis Party introduced her own bill to hold institutions, such as the Catholic Church and community sporting clubs, answerable for child sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and volunteers.
Southside Justice sex worker legal program
Rachel asked the government for a commitment to continue funding Southside Justice’s legal program for sex workers. As one of only two services of its kind in the country, this program has provided legal assistance to workers in the sex industry since 2022. Funding is set to cease in December, which will impede access to trauma-informed legal assistance for common issues such as non-payment and assault.
Stop the lockdowns at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Rachel asked the Minister for Corrections to stop lockdowns at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. Usually reserved for emergency situations, women in these prisons have been frequently kept in states of solitary confinement due to changes in administrative processes and rostering.
South-east MP vows to fight on 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.
Criminal reoffending persists unless root causes addressed
With the government investing $727 million in Victoria’s justice system, Rachel asked the Minister for Corrections about therapeutic services for those in correctional facilities. Since tighter bail restrictions are increasing incarceration rates, Rachel expressed the need for therapeutic supports in prisons to prevent re-offending and promote better outcomes.
Justice for historical forced adoptions in Victoria
Rachel asked the Attorney-General when the government will implement recommendation 24, as stated in the “2022 Government Response to the Recommendations of the Inquiry into responses to historical forced adoption in Victoria.”
Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025 Debate speech
Rachel spoke on the Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025, which was debated on Wednesday the 14th of May. This bill was presented by Rachel on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, intending to close a legal loophole impacting victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse.
Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025 2nd Reading
Rachel presented the second reading of the Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025, on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria. She initially introduced the bill to the Legislative Council on the 19th of February. Rachel also tabled a statement of compatibility with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 prior to the second reading.