Support for inquiry into IBAC funding
Rachel intended to speak in support of a motion to require a committee inquiry into funding for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), the Ombudsman and Integrity Oversight Victoria.
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.
Ambulance Victoria: Time remains for reform
Rachel contributed to a motion on Ambulance Victoria. She noted key areas for improvement as identified in the 2025 inquiry, while acknowledging the April deadline for the implementation of recommendations.
Coercive control bill “a blunt instrument for a complex problem”
Rachel spoke on a family violence motion which would create a standalone offence for coercive control. She acknowledged the deeply disturbing prevalence of family and intimate partner violence, and its well-established connection with coercive control. Rachel spoke to the evidence arising from stakeholder consultation and law changes in New South Wales, noting that effectiveness of a standalone offence is contentious and could be underutilised or otherwise cause harmful, unintended consequences.
Inquiry into Waste-to-Energy passed!
Rachel moved a motion requiring the Economy and Infrastructure Committee to inquire into the expansion of waste-to-energy infrastructure in Victoria. After the debate, Rachel concluded her motion, before it was taken to a vote in the Victorian Legislative Council. The motion passed, with a vote count of 18 – 10.
Waste-to-Energy inquiry debate sparked
With seven new licenses granted for waste-to-energy plants last week and the government increasing the annual cap on waste burning by 150%, it seems the future of Victoria’s waste management is going up in smoke. But not all waste-to-energy is created equal.
Time’s up for archaic workplace drug testing laws
Rachel spoke on Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s motion to progress recommendations on workplace drug testing. The current workplace drug testing model is punitive and discriminates against medicinal cannabis patients. In 2023, Rachel participated in the Inquiry into Workplace drug testing, which was initiated by a motion moved by Legalise Cannabis Victoria. Recommendations were handed down subsequent to this inquiry, that are yet to be implemented by the Government.
Legal defence for driving medicinal cannabis patients
Rachel moved a motion, which if passed would allow medicinal cannabis patients a legal defence, if they test positive for THC at a roadside drug test but are not impaired.