Safeguarding bodily autonomy for intersex children
Rachel spoke in contribution to the government’s Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025.
Refer anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes to inquiry
Rachel spoke in support of a Greens’ motion requiring the Legal and Social Issues Committee to inquire into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes. This would include the investigation of countermeasures and the adequacy of current responses and supports for victim-survivors.
Petition – Honorary Justice Services Support
On the 17th of June 2025, Rachel tabled a petition calling for the Attorney-General to address the imminent collapse of Victoria’s Honorary Justice System.
Justices of the Peace in Victoria
Rachel asked a written question around statistics on Justices of the Peace in Victoria.
Stamp out AFL homophobia
Rachel asked the government to take meaningful steps to eradicate the deeply ingrained homophobic culture in the Australian Football League.
Ongoing JP Shortage Impacts Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ Community
There are less than 4,000 registered JPs in Victoria compared to the 80,000 in Queensland and over 70,000 in NSW. According to the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices (RVAHJ) fewer than 2000 Victorian JPs are actively performing witnessing and certification services. The shortfall has meant the JPs who volunteer their time and provide their services free of charge are overburdened and increasingly hard to access.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on the 20th of November. On this internationally recognised date, we honour the memories of trans and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. In her member’s statement, Rachel Payne MP conveyed a message of hope and solidarity to the trans and gender-diverse community.
LGBTIQA+ legal service launched in the south-east
Rachel Payne MP presented a member’s statement on the launch of Justice Q, a free specialist legal service operated by and for LGBTIQA+ people. Launched in October of this year, Justice Q is an initiative of South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS), with Rachel having served as a proud member of their steering committee.
LGBTIQA+ rights and Anti-vilification laws
Rachel Payne MP presented a question without notice to the Attorney-General, regarding the inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people in anti-vilification laws. Rachel asked what initiatives will be implemented to discourage hate speech targeting LGBTIQA+ individuals.
LGBTIQA+ Equality
We are lucky to live in a state that welcomes people for who they are, yet sadly, we continue to hear that discrimination still continues to hurt our community and infiltrate many facets of our society where we should all feel safe.