Expand IBAC powers to stamp out political corruption
Rachel intended to speak in support of a bill to expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
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.
Petition: No Sunbury incinerator
Rachel spoke on a petition tabled by her Legalise Cannabis Victoria colleague, David Ettershank, member for Western Metropolitan. This petition called on the Minister for Planning to halt any progress toward a waste incinerator in Sunbury, citing concerns such as air pollution, impact on ecosystems and proximity to residential development.
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.
Vicarious Liability legislation: examining the details
Rachel questioned terms and clauses in the government’s Justice Legislation Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025. Key concerns included wording and terminology that could leave certain clauses open to interpretation.
Vicarious liability law reform PASSED!
Tuesday marked a win for victim-survivors of historical institutional child sexual abuse, as legislation was introduced to close a legal loophole arising from the High Court ruling in the case of Bird v. DP.
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.
Victorian bushfires
Rachel joined her fellow Legislative Council members in acknowledging the devastating impact of recent bushfires on Victorians and expressing gratitude to those who have volunteered and donated.
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.