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.
Rachel asked how the government is ensuring effective responses to address repeated violent and threatening behaviour towards neighbours, in public housing settings in the south-east.
Rachel spoke on the Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill 2025. Rachel acknowledged community fears around an increase in crime, with criminals ‘posting and boasting’ about their offences. However, she expressed that this amendment creates a “slippery slope” that could lead to unintended consequences. Rachel questioned the Minister on the impacts of this bill on drug offences, youth incarceration and homophobic attacks.
Rachel spoke on the importance of needle and syringe programs in reducing harms associated with intravenous drug use. She noted politicised misconceptions that these programs facilitate drug addiction, asking the Minister what steps are being taken to address such misinformation.
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.
Victorian Member of Parliament Rachel Payne is calling on the Allan government to set-up a taskforce to tackle family violence in Melbourne’s South-East, given the area has the highest rates in the state.
Rachel spoke in support of Victoria’s Rainbow Libraries Toolkit, in response to a petition calling for the cessation of its rollout. The Rainbow Libraries Toolkit was developed as a guide for library staff on ensuring safety, inclusion and equality for all Victorians accessing public libraries.
Rachel asked if the government would establish a taskforce dedicated to addressing family violence. As several south-eastern suburbs have some of the highest rates of family violence in the metropolitan area, Rachel continues to seek government action on this epidemic.
Rachel presented her contribution to a motion which proposed the legal use of capsicum spray for personal protection.
On Tuesday 30th of July, Rachel addressed a question without notice to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, regarding the use of non-disclosure agreements in instances of workplace sexual harassment.
