Cannabis reform: “It’s time”
Rachel presented a member’s statement on her attendance to the 2025 David Penington Oration. This year’s oration was presented by former Magistrate of the Victorian Drug court, Tony Parsons.
World Elephant Day
Tuesday the 12th of August was World Elephant Day. This is a day dedicated to the preservation and protection of these beautiful, endangered creatures. Rachel sponsors an Asian elephant named Jokia, who was rescued from cruelty and now resides at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Ozharvest South-East hub launch – fighting food insecurity
Rachel spoke about attending the launch of the new Ozharvest South-East hub launch. The launch of this new hub means an extra 6000 meals can be saved from becoming food waste each week. Ozharvest currently ‘rescues’ 174 tonnes of food each month, working with 137 charities to distribute meals across the community.
South East Community Links
Rachel spoke about her recent visit to South East Community Links (SECL). South East Community Links provide a range of services and supports to enhance individual wellbeing and foster a sense of community in the South-Eastern suburbs.
Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium
Rachel spoke about her recent meeting with the Greater Dandenong Anti-Poverty Consortium, to focus on sustainable solutions for systemic change.
Cannabis decriminalisation in the ACT
Rachel spoke in parliament about a recent trip to Canberra to discuss the impacts of cannabis decriminalisation with stakeholders.
Tenants Victoria
Rachel spoke in parliament about a recent visit to Tenants Victoria. Tenants Victoria provide advice to individual renters on a wide range of tenancy issues. With more Victorians renting than ever before, this crucial service requires greater funding to meet community needs.
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.
Thank you to Frankston Hospital
Rachel Payne, member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne, gave her member’s statement, thanking Frankston Hospital for the exceptional care of her unwell staff member.