News and Media Archive

By Paul McClure 9 October 2022   When James Gargasoulas ploughed his maroon Commodore into a bustling Bourke Street on the afternoon of January 20, 2017, he could not have known how his lethal actions would impact Victoria’s criminal justice system. The revelation that Gargasoulas was on bail at the time outraged a public already…

Australia’s best comedic voices and experts savage the news and drill down on climate change. It’s fast. It’s funny. Winner Best Comedy Podcast 2020/21 – Australian Podcast Awards. www.arationalfear.com Click play below to listen.

I will fight to end native forest logging in Victoria if re-elected in the 26 November Victorian election. My candidate for North-eastern Metropolitan, Nina Springle, will re-introduce a bill to end such environmentally and economically unjustifiable logging in Victoria immediately, should she be elected. First introduced to the Parliament by Samantha Dunn MP in 2018,…

If re-elected at the 26 November Victorian election, I am determined to continue to lead community debate on sensible drug law reform and on harm minimisation. Reason Party’s drug law reform policies will save many thousands of lives and many millions of taxpayers’ dollars. I often say we should not let the perfect get in…

Fiona Patten Gives a Sh*t About Housing & Homelessness We can fix homelessness. It might seem intractable, but there is much more we can and must do. The Andrews Government’s `big build’ is welcome but falls far short of what is required to go close to fixing one of the deepest and most distressing forms…

Health is such a crucial issue in this state election because the health system is failing. Nowhere is this more evident than in my electorate, the Northern Metropolitan Region – the north of Melbourne doesn’t just need its existing health infrastructure buttressed; it needs an entire new hospital. The north needs more than an expanded…

Women’s health has been central to my career – as an advocate, activist, and parliamentarian. The reproductive health of women and the gender-diverse community has been ignored for decades, harming their quality of life and interrupting workforce participation. Primary among my unfinished business is expanding access to abortion and family planning by stopping publicly funded…

Media Statement by Fiona Patten MP I welcome news the Victorian Government is examining adopting my policy of a four-day working week with no loss of income. Media reports, sparked by coverage in The Age, show the policy is among a number being considered by the Andrews Government to take to the November election. At…

Fiona Patten MP and Liberal MP, Matthew Bach, join Ali Moore to discuss a range of topics ahead of the November State Election. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation    

Media Statement by Fiona Patten MP Victoria is facing an exponential increase in homelessness over the next two decades unless it acts immediately to cut the number of young people currently experiencing the crisis. Experts in youth housing say that Victoria needs to create five thousand homes in five years for young people to avert…

BY BENITA KOLOVOS | Fiona Patten isn’t used to not getting her way. It’s been two weeks since the Victorian government voted down her bill to cut funding to religious public hospitals that refuse to offer abortion and euthanasia and it’s clear she’s not over it. “If I’m honest, it’s probably been one of the…

Opinion | Fiona Patten MP A flood of fresh evidence shows drug law reform is more urgent than ever, including the need for a medically supervised injecting room in Melbourne’s CBD to buttress the life-saving work of the centre in North Richmond. There are reasonable concerns about discarded needles, but that is a manageable sanitation…

Media Statement by Fiona Patten MP A torrent of evidence and news shows drug law reform is more urgent than ever. The clear failure of the current approach, based on prohibition rather than harm minimisation, is needlessly causing widespread death and suffering, wasting billions of taxpayers’ dollars each year, and creating a massive black market…

Media Statement by Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten MP I am moving legislation to protect and extend fundamental human rights currently being denied in public hospitals. The health system is mistreating those who fund it. Publicly funded hospitals and other health institutions have no right to refuse these legally enshrined rights that a woman has…

Media Statement by Fiona Patten MP Nurse-led abortions is one of the key reforms that ought to be sought this week when all state and territories ministers sit down with the federal minister, Katy Gallagher, to buttress and streamline Australia’s abortion laws. Another is liberating access to medical termination (using a substance called mifepristone) –…

Many may not realise but Malta will be the first country in Europe to regulate cannabis. The Maltese government is also about to be the first in the world to license small, not-for-profit, cannabis ‘social clubs’. I met with the minister responsible for the roll-out, Rebecca Buttigeig and also with Mariella Dimech, the ‘Cannabis Queen’…

THE CASE FOR | It is a sad irony that in the name of health Australian governments are making a policy error so fundamental it will kill Australian citizens. There are legitimate concerns about the use of vapes by children. So there bloody well should be. But there should be equal concern about preventing adult…

Census data shows the time has come for two of my policies that have previously sparked undue controversy and resistance – freedom of religion in Parliament and ending the exemption of profitable religious operations from taxation. I have moved a motion to end the mandatory recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at the start of each…

Fiona Patten joined Bernie Finn for a new segment on 3AW Mornings, called The Odd Couple. CLICK PLAY BELOW TO LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION  

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten is driving prison reform in Victoria. She told Neil Mitchell the state should be focusing on a rehabilitation-focus approach, for some offences, rather than jail. “It wouldn’t be sexual offences, it wouldn’t be violent offences,” Ms Patten told Neil Mitchell. “What we want is a safer community and what we…

The Victorian government says it will select a group of experts to provide advice on a possible trial to change how illicit drug users are policed. Callum Godde | AAP An expert group will consider a possible trial to change how illicit drug use is policed in Victoria, despite the state government rejecting a decriminalisation…

The Victorian government appears to be considering a trial of drug decriminalisation, despite voting down the legislation put forward by the Reason Party. The government will establish a working group to determine the next steps on how to help, rather than jail, people caught with small amounts of illicit drugs. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten…

Fiona speaks with Raf about the government’s announcement to form a working group with police, addiction specialists and youth workers to advise the government on infringement trial options. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

By Josh Gordon The Andrews government will set up an expert panel to consider a trial under which people caught with small quantities of drugs would automatically be issued a notice by police referring them to education or treatment. On Wednesday, Attorney General Jaclyn Symes told Parliament that the government was not going to decriminalise drugs,…

By Dan Lubman The global “War on Drugs” is one of the single-most catastrophic public policy failures in history. Now one Victorian MP has put forward a bill to decriminalise the personal possession and use of prohibited drugs. The private member’s bill doesn’t have the support of the government or opposition, so it’s highly likely to fail, but it’s started…

Drive with Tom Elliott Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has joined Tom Elliott to discuss drug decriminalisation legislation she will introduce to the Victorian parliament on Wednesday. Under the proposed laws, Victoria police would issue mandatory referrals to drug rehab or education centres to people who have used or possesed with a drug of dependence…

Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten says her push to decriminalise all illicit drugs in Victoria “isn’t radical”, with claims it won’t increase substance abuse in society. BY ALEXANDRA MIDDLETON Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten says Victoria needs to stop treating drug use as a criminal problem and treat it as a health problem. Fronting the…

Decriminalising drugs in Victoria will help end the state’s “greatest public health policy failure”, a specialised treatment service says. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten will introduce her decriminalisation bill to the Victorian upper house on Wednesday. Under the changes, police would issue a mandatory notice and referral of drug education or treatment to those found…

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten will introduce legislation in the state Parliament next week to decriminalise all drugs in Victoria. Under the bill, Victoria police would instead issue mandatory referrals to drug education programmes and treatment centres. She spoke with Virginia Trioli about the proposal. Click PLAY below to hear the conversation

I am bringing into the Victorian Parliament legislation to decriminalise all drugs.  It is about saving lives and reducing harm caused by drugs. It is about treating drug use as a health issue with a health solution, not a criminal one.  Irrefutable international evidence proves replacing criminal penalties with mandatory health and recovery treatment is…

OPINION | By Fiona Patten A four-day working week. It’s a sensible, exciting and well-established idea whose time has finally come, COVID-19 shows us. The pandemic has not only triggered agility, resilience and effectiveness in our response; we’d readily manage the transition to a four-day working week. It has also caused many to reassess priorities –…

Despite repeated freedom of information requests from journalists and questions I’ve asked in Parliament, the Victorian Government insists that they can’t divulge which companies utilise prison labour, because that information is ‘commercial in confidence’. ‘Commercial in confidence’ is information which must be kept confidential between the relevant parties. There are legitimate reasons to not disclose…

Back in March, I agreed to a sensible extension of the state emergency powers – if the government lowered the fines for children and improved the detention review system, and most importantly, if they created pandemic specific legislation. Back then, many wanted to play politics and blow up the legal framework which allowed health orders…

Fiona Patten provides an update to Sammy J on the debate on the Pandemic Management Bill. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

Victorian independent MP Fiona Patten has said that if the federal government’s Religious Freedom Bill ever becomes law, it should be challenged by the Victorian government. “If this bill passes in any form that overrides Victoria’s strong anti-discrimination laws, the State Government must launch a High Court Challenge” she said. Next week the Victorian Legislative…

The surprise reappearance of disgraced former Labor MP Adem Somyurek is threatening to derail the Victorian Government’s pandemic legislation. If he votes against the bill, it will fail and Victorian MP Fiona Patten says he might be “coming in for payback” against his former Labor colleagues.    

Everyone has had to make changes to cope with the pandemic, but what about when your income is derived from intimacy? Samantha X is an escort and owner of Samantha’s Angels escort agency.  She tells us she was taking lots of calls during lockdown, from women looking to begin work in the industry.   Fiona Patten…

Hi. This is the first of a regular column I’ll be writing for Docklands News, and I am grateful for the opportunity to communicate directly to the community and would welcome feedback, ideas, suggestions and comments. The joy and relief are so beautifully evident as people burst out of lockdown. There’s a lift in community…

OPINION | by Fiona Patten    The cynical hyperbole we’ve heard from the opponents of Victoria’s proposed pandemic-specific laws is disappointing. In particular, the rhetoric of the opposition and some shock jocks is a disservice to Victorians, fuelling undue fear and loathing. The proposed legislation, which has passed the Legislative Assembly, will come to the upper house…

By Eden Gillespie The leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten, says the abuse directed towards her during the pandemic has gotten so bad she has installed a security system in her home. Facing a torrent of online and in-person abuse, Fiona Patten, leader of the Reason Party in Victoria, is in “almost daily” contact…

Interview with Reason Party leader Fiona Patten over whether she’ll support the Andrews Government’s controversial new pandemic legislation. Press PLAY below to hear the conversation

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten says new Pandemic Legislation is an improvement on Victoria’s current State of Emergency. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

Interview with Fiona Patten MP,  who says new Pandemic Legislation improves accountability and transparency. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

Three weeks ago, I called a pause on social media in response to the vile and violent abuse my staff and I were receiving. We said we’d be back, on our own terms, when we were ready. We are ready. We are starting by releasing this video, in the hope that people will see, hear,…

Interview with Fiona Patten, responding to her statement today. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

Victorian Reason Party MP Fiona Patten is removing herself from social media after what she has labelled “appalling abuse” from “anonymous cowards”. Ms Patten said she and her office would be taking a break from social media for a few weeks, but may leave social media platforms permanently. The move comes after a Queensland man was…

Interview with Fiona Patten, John Pesutto and Bronwyn Pike. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

I and my office are taking a break from social media. It might be for a few weeks. It might be for longer. It might be permanent. We will be evaluating how best to communicate with the broader community. I am calling this pause because of the appalling abuse, most of it from anonymous cowards,…

By Erin Pearson Victoria will become the first Australian state or territory to ban the use of Nazi symbols including the swastika as part of landmark reform aimed at boosting human rights protections. Legislation expected to be passed early next year willmake the public display of Nazi symbols illegal following a recent rise in neo-Nazi activity…

By Paul Sakkal The council official accused of editing an image of a slug to frame a food company has denied doctoring the photograph, as her council attacked the credibility of the Dandenong food supplier’s owner. Greater Dandenong Council chief executive John Bennie and two council health inspectors implicated in “slug gate” denied impropriety at a Parliamentary…

The use of proof of vaccination to permit those fully inoculated against COVID-19 to socialise locally and travel widely is the potential cause of community concern and unrest.  The Reason Party – a party based on civil liberty – acknowledges and shares some of the disquiet about privacy, equity, data security and efficacy.  We believe,…

By Barbara Minchinton he Victorian Government is planning to decriminalise sex work, as New South Wales has already done. Victoria’s current laws provide for legal brothels, but the licensing regulations and some brothel owners’ drive for profits have resulted in a two tier system where there are more illegal brothels than legal ones, and many sex…

Staff Writer As the COVID crisis worsens in NSW and Victoria and live events continue to be wiped out, politicians are putting pressure on the government to provide financial support to the music sector. … Victorian MP Fiona Patten, Leader of Reason, has today called for the State Government to reintroduce the Live Music Venues Program, which last…

By Max Zhou What if hairdressers were regulated like sex workers are in Victoria right now? A simple appointment at the barber is both legal and as normal as it gets. But a similar type of appointment with a self-employed, independent sex worker is illegal if it occurs at the sex worker’s home or apartment….

Leader of Reason, Fiona Patten, has called for an immediate reintroduction of the Live Music Venues Program which provided $15m in cash to our much-loved venues. Ms Patten said the business support for our live music venues is inadequate, strangled in red tape and will not be enough to save the world-renowned music scene. Many venues…

Calla Wahlquist Minister says law would give sex workers same rights as ‘any other worker’ and bring state in line with NSW and NT Legislation to decriminalise sex work and provide sex workers with standard workplace rights and protections will be introduced to the Victorian parliament by the end of the year. The consumer affairs…

by EDWINA STORIE Victoria has just announced it will decriminalise sex work, whether it be through self-employment, small employers, or large companies. This is an important move towards not only destigmatising sex work, but allowing the industry to be regulated through the same business legislation as all others. These changes come from a review led by MP Fiona Patten,…

This is a red letter day for the red light industry. The Government’s announcement it will implement my recommendation to decriminalise sex work as legitimate employment will protect these workers and reduce the stigma and discrimination they have for so long endured. After pursuing this fair, decent and fundamental reform for years, I was appointed…

“We the undersigned support the proposal to replace the Lord’s Prayer from the start of parliamentary sitting days by allowing people of any faith, or none, to pray. The motion to be moved by Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten MLC underscores fairness; it would simply have the President of the Legislative Council open the day…

FIONA PATTEN | LEADER OF THE REASON PARTY Let us pray. Or not. Everybody has the right to religious faith. Nobody has the right to impose their religious faith. No religion has a spiritual or moral monopoly. With freedom of religion comes the responsibility to respect others’ freedom to follow another god, or none. And…

The Age’s View | Editor, Gay Alcorn The Lord’s Prayer has been a regular fixture in the Victorian Parliament since the early part of last century. It has been recited at the start of each sitting day since 1918. The prayer, which begins with the line, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name,”…

Anthony Bunn Picture: MARK JESSER THE North East’s most senior Christian leader has indicated he supports removing the Lord’s Prayer from Victorian Upper House sittings. Anglican Bishop of Wangaratta Clarence Bester was reacting to a bid by Reason Party leader Fiona Patten to end daily reading of the plea. She will put a motion to…

By Ali MC Soon after he left foster care, Phil found himself living on the streets of Melbourne, where he says he would sleep on traffic islands as they were brightly lit and felt safer. More than 116,000 people are homeless on any given night in Australia and that number is rising all the time. As…

Duncan Fine Contributor How does your work day start? In the Victorian Parliament nothing gets done until the reading of the Lord’s Prayer. As many cultural conservatives tell us, we are a country founded on Judeo-Christian values. But calls have been getting louder to ditch the daily prayer, led, not for the first time, by the Reason…

Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party Leader. Patten discusses why it’s important to replace the Lord’s Prayer with a moment of silent reflection in Parliament.  

By Patrick Hatch The Andrews government is facing calls to step in and stop Crown Resorts from claiming up to $200 million in compensation if the findings of the state’s royal commission result in changes to how its Melbourne casino can operate. With the inquiry focused on the extent of the gambling harm carried out Crown’s Melbourne…

Ellen Ebsary Victoria’s justice system has been characterised as a “metro-centric” one which gives more weight to offenders’ rights than victims’. The Legal and Social Issues Committee held the first hearing for its inquiry into the system at Wangaratta’s Performing Arts and Convention Centre. A North East victim of crime having to travel to Geelong…

By Fiona Patten Most of my critics around sex work have never been sex workers. That is not to say that the observations of the sex industry by academics, politicians, NGOs or police are not valid in shaping public policy around it. It’s just that they don’t have a lived experience of being a sex worker,…

ABC Goulburn Murray By Erin Somerville and Charmayne Allison The operation and effectiveness of Victoria’s criminal justice system will be examined as part of an inquiry that began today in north-east Victoria. Victoria Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee heard from six witnesses at the initial sitting in Wangaratta. … Committee chair and Reason Party MP Fiona Patten said…

Regulating the sex industry via standard business laws will help make sex workers safer and reduce stigma, minister says Calla Wahlquist The Victorian government will move to decriminalise sex work and regulate the sex industry “through standard business industry laws” following a review that heard the current system left many unprotected. The review was conducted by…

By Sumeyya Ilanbey Victoria will join a growing list of jurisdictions in the world to decriminalise the sex industry if state MPs adopt recommendations aimed at safeguarding workers and reducing stigma. Andrews government ministers are considering legislative reforms that Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne said would protect sex workers. … The Reason Party’s Ms Patten handed…

MDMA could help to dramatically reduce the number of suicides among veterans. The Victorian Government is being urged to take the first step. Eddie Russell reports. The Victorian Government is being urged to legalise the use of ecstasy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in returned soldiers. Concerns have been raised over the mental health care…

A revelation over a sandwich that was used to ruin a Melbourne food company will see a parliamentary inquiry into the controversy reopened. Mark Buttler, Anthony Dowsley and Kieran Rooney The parliamentary inquiry into the iCook Foods closure is to be reopened, MP Fiona Patten says. The move follows a series of recent revelations about the circumstances of…

Losing your driving licence for three months is a massive punishment, especially for country people. Incomparable to the cautions police give you for possession of up to fifteen grams of pot. The drug driving rules were introduced to catch truckies on speed as I remember, but instead they’re catching tons of stoner dolphins in their…

AUSTRALIAN HUMANISTS New Series – Winter 2021 Issue No. 142 Fiona is a member of the Victorian Parliament, and Australian Humanist of the Year in 2020. As leader of the Reason Party, she stands for a future-focused, evidence-based, consultative and pragmatic approach to achieving equality, sustainability and freedom. I came into politics via the route…

The Through the Maze: On the road to health Symposium took place at the New Zealand Parliament, 12-13 of May, 2021. This is one of several recordings from the NZ Drug foundation’s Through the Maze symposium. On 12-13 May more than 200 people spent two days discussing and debating how to move further and faster toward…

A parliamentary inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria continues to hear from expert witnesses. Recently, representatives from Turning Point & Monash Addiction Research Centre, Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation and Penington Institute shared their views on issues related to use of cannabis including driving, health, education and regulation. Here’s a snapshot. For more…

Education and youth welfare were among the issues discussed when people with lived experience of cannabis use shared their views with the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee recently. Representatives of Harm Reduction Victoria and Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia appeared at the parliamentary inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria. Here’s…

New Zealand came narrowly close to legalising cannabis in 2020. Recently, the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee heard from our Kiwi neighbours about their referendum, with a panel of representatives from the SHORE & Whariki Research Centre and NZ Drug Foundation appearing at the inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria. Here’s…

Fiona Patten: Budget Recovery Starts But More To Do   Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan has cautiously welcomed today’s State Budget, saying it was probably “the best the Treasurer could do given where we are at.” “This was never going to be an easy budget given the circumstances that Victoria…

A powerful union says hefty profits made by criminals could be wiped and “many” problems would be fixed, if cannabis was legalised in Victoria. MITCH CLARKE | State political reporter A leading Victorian health union is calling for the state government to legalise the personal use of cannabis, grow and sell its own weed and funnel…

By Melissa Coade | Image: Jessica Brown/ABC News via AP An inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria will hear first-hand evidence from ACT representatives about laws that were passed regulating personal use and cultivation of the plant for personal use two years ago. ACT politician Michael Pettersson has appeared at a Wednesday hearing for the…

by Fiona Patten and Jamal Hakim We all thought the debate about abortion was over, but the scarcity of trained abortion providers is a national shame that adversely affects rural and regional women. This could be overcome if we allowed nurses and midwives to prescribe medical abortion medication, commonly known as RU486, which has been available…

By Joseph Dunstan Drug rehabilitation services have backed a push from crossbench MP Fiona Patten for three more safe injecting rooms in Melbourne’s suburbs. Ms Patten, who is an Upper House MP and the leader of the Reason Party, suggested the new sites be set up at St Kilda, Footscray and Dandenong. They would take the…

Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten wants the number of medically supervised injecting rooms increased to five. Ms Patten wants future sites to be smaller and more discreet than the existing injecting room in North Richmond, and should offer pill testing. Click PLAY below to hear Fiona Patten on air with Ross and Russel  

An outspoken MP wants new safe injecting rooms in three Melbourne suburbs to combat drug deaths and ambulance callout numbers. By Rhiannon Tuffield | Image: News Corp Australia A Victorian politician says the government should be building more safe injecting rooms right across Melbourne, in a bid to curb deaths and reduce ambulance callouts. Fiona…

At public hearings into the use of cannabis in Victoria, Dr Erin Lalor, Jill Karena and Laura Bajurny provided insights on behalf of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Here’s a snapshot, with more information on the parliamentary committee inquiry available at parliament.vic.gov.au/cannabisinquiry. This public hearing took place on Thursday, 25 March 2021.  

Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party Leader. She discusses the government’s proposed Electric Vehicle tax, and a range of issues coming up in state parliament this week. Click PLAY below to hear the conversation.  

Interview with Fiona Patten, leader of the Reason Party and chair of the committee before the inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria, where ABC Goulburn Murray is broadcasting from Bright. Press PLAY below to listen to the conversation.  

Hearings are continuing for the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria. Recently, Tamar Todd from UC Berkeley School of Law and Dr Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana shared their experiences of legalisation in the United States. Here’s a snapshot, with more information available at…

By Sean Car Reason Party leader Fiona Patten is your local member for the seat of Northern Metropolitan in the Victorian upper house (Legislative Council) of parliament. But what does that mean for locals in practice?  As an independent, Fiona’s vote is incredibly valuable to the government which only holds 17 of the 40 upper…

Victoria’s growing prison population, along with the state’s appointment of judges, is set to be probed under a fresh review. By Shannon Deery Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch   The appointment of Victorian judges and magistrates will come under scrutiny in a wide-ranging review into the state’s criminal justice system. The state parliamentary inquiry will probe Victoria’s…

Interview with Fiona Patten, Leader of the Reason Party. Tony Jones opens the conversation about The Church of Scientology, which Ms Patten says has very few members in Australia. Ms Patten explains that they are moving money from their donors and people who invest in Scientology in the US to Australia, which gives them a tax…

Interview with Chris Smith and Fiona Patten, Victorian Reason Party Leader. Patten describes how she became a target for abuse after voting in favour of the continuation of Victoria’s state of emergency. Patten states the big question is how Parliament can start behaving better. Click PLAY below to watch the conversation.  

Click on your local government area to see a list of the current community grants on offer near you:      

by STEVE JONES Police opposition has dented immediate hopes in Victoria that medicinal cannabis patients could soon be free from prosecution if they test positive to random roadside drug tests. But despite the setback, campaigners remain confident that driving law reform will still get across the line in the next few months. Hopes of reform soared…

When it comes to homelessness, government should prioritise implementing diverse, forward-thinking early intervention strategies, writes MP Fiona Patten reflecting on the recommendations made in Victoria’s Homelessness Inquiry.  By Fiona Patten This is the eighth of a 12-part series from Housing All Australians exploring the role that housing can and should play within Australian society and why it…

By Tony Wright Photo: Justin McManus WARNING: This story contains content that may be distressing to some readers. As Victorian MP Fiona Patten walked from the front door of her home at 7.30am two weeks ago, she was confronted by a young man screaming sexist profanities. The bearded man had been riding his bike past Ms…

By FIONA PATTEN I am not going to sugar coat it. No skating around the issue here. The last couple of weeks have been tough for the new Reason Coalition. Pretty, pretty tough. Member for Mildura Ali Cupper and I were in tense negotiations on the state of emergency extension bill. We had said we…

By David Donaldson Homelessness is a “solvable problem”, says the inquiry chair, “we know what needs to be done, we just need the will to carry it out”. Victoria’s homelessness policy needs to be redesigned to emphasise prevention and increase the supply of affordable housing, argues the parliamentary committee looking into homelessness. The system is stuck…

David Mackenzie  The Victorian Inquiry into Homelessness report was submitted to Parliament with over 50 recommendations. Associate Professor David Mackenzie and Dr Tammy Hand, who head up the Upstream Project and are co-creators of the COSS model, highlight their key takeaways. The long-awaited Victorian Parliament Legal and Social Issues Committee report, Inquiry into Homelessness, was tabled…

By Alex White A major report into Victoria’s housing crisis has warned the state is facing long-term shortages in social housing despite unprecedented government funding and is calling for more action. The Inquiry into homelessness in Victoria Final Report, released on Thursday has called for social housing to be a mandatory requirement in all new…

Victorian MP Fiona Patten has called for a code of conduct for politicians after receiving a stream of abuse online, saying “it would not be tolerated in any other workplace”. Alex White and Shannon Deery Victorian politicians inciting violence, death threats and sexually suggestive comments toward other politicians online needs to be addressed, according to a state…

Cam Wilson An increasingly organised online COVID-19 denialist, anti-vaccine group is spamming Victorian politicians’ inboxes with pseudo-legal emails to try stop public health measures. Online activist group Reignite Democracy Australia (RDA) is encouraging its followers to send hundreds of emails that they incorrectly believe will force politicians to oppose extending Victoria’s current state of emergency…

By Charles Purcell Confronted by a rise in suicides amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has just appointed its first Minister for Loneliness. “I hope to carry out activities to prevent social loneliness and isolation and to protect ties between people,” says the new minister, Tetsushi Sakamoto. But Japan isn’t the first. Britain announced the world’s…

By Sumeyya Ilanbey Photo credit: Eddie Jim The Andrews government is close to brokering a deal with a key upper house MP to extend Victoria’s state of emergency and break the political impasse. State of emergency powers would be extended for three months instead of the nine months sought by the government under a compromise being…

By state political reporter Richard Willingham Crown Resorts’ suitability to run Melbourne’s casino will be tested by a new royal commission in Victoria, after a damning NSW inquiry found the gambling giant was not suitable to hold a casino licence. Former federal court judge and senior barrister Raymond Finkelstein QC has been appointed commissioner. The royal…

By Sumeyya Ilanbey Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley is meeting key crossbench MP Fiona Patten at 2.30pm AEDT to begin the process of breaking the political impasse over Victoria’s state of emergency laws. The Andrews government is seeking a nine-month extension to the powers to allow it to enforce coronavirus-specific rules, such as mandatory mask-wearing,…

Crossbench MP Fiona Patten says she won’t support Premier Daniel Andrews proposal to extend the state of emergency until the end of the year. The Victorian Premier wants emergency powers extended until December 15 in order to manage the pandemic. Reason Party leader MP Fiona Patten says it’s too long. “Victoria’s the only state that…

By Alex WhitePicture: NCA NewsWire A proposed extension to Victoria’s state of emergency looks set to fail in the state’s upper house, however Daniel Andrews will meet with at least one key upper house crossbencher this afternoon to discuss potential changes. Reason Party leader MP Fiona Patten announced on Wednesday she would vote against the…

Reason Coalition MPs Fiona Patten and Ali Cupper have today made it clear to the Victorian Government they will vote against the current State of Emergency extension bill before Parliament. “When the government sought a 12-month extension in September last year I rejected it,” said Ms Patten, Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the…

Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party Leader. Patten discusses concerns over the extension of the state of emergency, as well as the issue of regional rates. Click PLAY below to listen to the whole conversation

By Greg Barns Picture: Luke Bowden EVERY day in South Australia’s courts there is injustice occurring. Drivers using cannabis, approved by their doctor for medicinal purposes,are finding themselves convicted of drug-driving offences and losing their licence for three months and longer as well as being hit with a fine.If that same driver was using opioid…

Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party. Patten discusses the upcoming debate on the change to suppression conversion practices prohibition bill. She reiterates that the bill will not deter people from practising their religious faith and will instead prevent them from causing harm. Click PLAY below to listen to the whole conversation.

by STEVE JONES South Australia has become the latest state to explore cannabis driving law reform with Greens upper house MP Tammy Franks taking up the crusade in collaboration with lobby group Drive Change. Franks introduced a bill in parliament yesterday that will seek to lift the legal threat that hangs over patients holding medicinal cannabis…

By Aslan Shand MardiGrass2021 is going ahead and ‘We’re planning it like there’s no Corona but who knows what will be going on with COVID by the first weekend in May,’ said MardiGrass Organising Body (MOB) president, Michael Balderstone. ‘It could be jabs all round or rampant corona so obviously we have to wait ‘n…

By Michael Fowler The Andrews government’s push to extend its state of emergency powers for nine months is doomed in its current form after key crossbencher Fiona Patten said she would vote against it. The state of emergency is due to expire next month but Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday morning his government would introduce…

RACHEL BAXENDALE | The Australian VICTORIAN POLITICAL REPORTER @rachelbaxendale Picture: David Crosling The Andrews government faces an uphill battle to pass legislation that would see its coronavirus “state of emergency” powers extended for nine months until December, after key upper house crossbencher Fiona Patten said she would not support it. The government secured its last…

By Ben Schneiders, Sumeyya Ilanbey and Royce Millar Controversial “preference whisperer” Glenn Druery faces new probity concerns after landing a taxpayer-funded role working for state upper house Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick while running his own lucrative cash-for-votes business. Mr Druery’s business brings micro parties together in a bloc to preference each other and leapfrog better-supported parties. The practice…

By Ben Schneiders and Royce Millar Photo by Andrew Meares Controversial “preference whisperer” Glenn Druery charged taxpayers more than $150,000 in travel and other expenses while working as an adviser to then-senator Derryn Hinch, and also running a lucrative cash-for-votes business in state elections. Travel expense records obtained by The Sunday Age after a two-year Freedom of Information battle reveal…

By ALI CUPPER VICTORIAN Parliament resumes for 2021 next week and it signifies a big year ahead for the Reason Coalition as we fight for significant policy, service and infrastructure needs for the Mildura electorate. Our RateGate campaign pushing for permanent, structural reform to fix the rural-metro rates disparity remains a priority, with almost 800…

THE campaign to fix the rural rates divide is moving forward with high-profile local businessman and Mildura Rural City Councillor Stefano de Pieri appointed co-chair of the RateGate campaign. The campaign, initiated by the Reason Coalition, is aiming to recruit rural and regional MPs, mayors, councillors, CEOs and other stakeholders from across the State. To…

MATT TAYLOR HIGH-profile Mildura councillor Stefano de Pieri has found a good reason to join the latest force in Victorian politics as part of a push to fix the “shocking” city-country rates inequity. The celebrity cook yesterday revealed he would be linking with the Reason Coalition – headed by key Upper House MP Fiona Patten…

By Paul Sakkal Photo: Alex Ellinghausen Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns has demanded the tertiary education union stop backing a left-wing academic who was sacked for superimposing a swastika onto the Israeli flag. Dr Tim Anderson was dismissed by the University of Sydney in 2019 after misconduct findings by the university over his use of Nazi…

Reason Coalition Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP @FionaPattenMLC says a national scheme is needed to control COVID-19 border closures, stating the impact on border communities was severe and often misunderstood by city-centric policy-makers. “COVID-19 is not going away any time soon, and we just don’t know what future pandemics we might face so it is important…

MATT TAYLOR Photo Ben Gross Just when will Australia follow the lead of more than a dozen American states in legalising cannabis for recreational use? According to Fiona Patten, a key Victorian Upper House crossbencher, “it’s just a matter of time”. “New Zealand is on the brink of doing it and you’ve got the whole…

By Matt Taylormtaylor@sunraysiadaily.com.au INFLUENTIAL Victorian Upper House MP Fiona Patten fears the recent violent, conspiracy theory-driven attacks in the United States could be “replicated” in Australia. Ms Patten, who toured north-west Victoria this week with Member for Mildura Ali Cupper, and her staff copped online harassment and “thousands” of threatening calls last year after negotiating…

Breakfast with Debra Pearce Reason Coalition Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP, who is touring north-west Victoria with deputy leader Ali Cupper discuss regional rates, border closures and an alcohol and other drug centre for Mildura. Click PLAY below to listen to the conversation.

By Matt Taylormtaylor@sunraysiadaily.com.auPhoto by Ben Gross THE SuniTAFE farm team’s first trial hemp crop is growing well ahead of a March harvest. SuniTAFE has a two-year arrangement with Australian Primary Hemp to run trials at its Cardross farm. Member for Mildura Ali Cupper and Reason Coalition leader Fiona Patten – who are both members of…

REASON Coalition leader Fiona Patten has called for a national scheme to control COVID-19 border closures. Ms Patten, who is touring north-west Victoria this week with deputy leader Ali Cupper to discuss a range of issues with stakeholders, believes the ad hoc approach to border closures is not working. She said the impact on border…

Pictured: Hemp Task Force Jan 2020, Fiona Patten MP, Mildura SuniTAFE primary industries manager Warren Lloyd and Ali Cupper MP A HEMP partnership between Mildura SuniTAFE and Australian Primary Hemp at Tafe’s Smart Farm in Cardross is showing plenty of promise. Member for Mildura Ali Cupper and Reason Coalition leader Fiona Patten – who are…

Reason Coalition Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP, who is touring north-west Victoria with deputy leader Ali Cupper to discuss a range of issues with stakeholders, believes the current ad-hoc approach to border closures is not working. Ms Patten said the impact on border communities was severe and often misunderstood by city-centric…

By Jon Faine Image: Paul Jeffers May the games begin. After an atypical summer, the Victorian parliamentary year resumes February 2. The Premier returns only partially refreshed, having interrupted his leave at his wife’s insistence. Spending his ‘holiday’ on the phone was never going to work. Dan Andrews went into ‘command and control’ mode early…

By Simone Fox Koob 📷: Paul Jeffers A Victorian MP says an unprecedented level of “fury and anger” is being directed towards politicians online. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten’s comments came after a man in Queensland was charged with harassing her on social media. Ms Patten last year reported to parliamentary security a video posted to…

The View from Left Field with Fiona Patten, Reason Party Leader. Click PLAY below to hear the conversation.

BY FELICITY GERRY, SUZAN GENCAYAND SIMONE CURMI-BLACKWELL The Victorian government has just received a landmark review into the state’s sex work laws, which has not yet been made public. We made a submission with a focus on the decriminalisation of sex work, including raising awareness of Australia’s commitment to non-punishment of trafficked persons. In Victoria,…

A PETITION, a delegation to Melbourne and a stakeholder action team are among the key measures in a new campaign by Member for Mildura Ali Cupper tohighlight the “unfair” rates system in Victoria. Ms Cupper will today launch RateGate, which will engage the community as she continues her push for the Victorian Government to introduce…

Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten @FionaPattenMLC is on the line with some Xmas cheer. She talks about her plans for 2021

A parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s COVID response has found Victoria’s failure to invest in the state’s contact tracing system cost lives. The Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee inquiry has issued 47 findings and 19 recommendations. Press PLAY below for the full interview with Heidi Murphy.

An inquiry into Victoria’s contact tracing regime has found the state government’s reluctance to concede errors meant it wasn’t up to scratch when required. An inquiry has found the Victorian government’s reticence to overhaul its overwhelmed contact tracing regime cost lives during the state’s deadly second wave of coronavirus. The scathing assessment from the Legislative…

By Melissa CunninghamPhoto Wayne Taylor A failure to invest resources into Victoria’s contact tracing system in the years preceding the coronavirus pandemic cost lives and led to significant mistakes that stopped the state swiftly getting on top of its deadly second wave, a parliamentary inquiry has found. A report into the state’s contact tracing and testing regime was…

Callum Godde | AAP An inquiry has found the Victorian government’s reticence to overhaul its overwhelmed contact tracing regime cost lives during the state’s deadly second wave of coronavirus. The scathing assessment from the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues committee comes in a 260-page report tabled in the Victorian parliament on Monday. The upper…

By Rachel Eddie Photo credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Fitzroy North locals are fighting to stop an alcohol ban at the popular Edinburgh Gardens, after neighbours complained of drug use, overflowing rubbish and faeces in the streets. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten on Thursday threw her support behind a community campaign to keep the park open, calling…

MATT TAYLOR Picture: Carmel Zaccone THE Victorian Government has vowed to take steps next year to fix the massive country-city rates disparity. In response to a question from Reason Party leader Fiona Patten in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane confirmed Premier Daniel Andrews had told him to tackle rural…

Victorian crossbencher Fiona Patten has rated the 2020 performance of several colleagues, herself, and 3AW Mornings host Neil Mitchell. The Reason Party leader gave report cards for the Premier, Opposition Leader and the vocal member for Kew, but withheld a grade for the Police Minister. Press PLAY below for more.

Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten @FionaPattenMLC joins Macca and Tass to discuss the coalition with independent Mildura MP Ali Cupper @AliCupper, and the proposed legislation to ban Conversion Practises. Click PLAY below to listen

By Richard Willingham Victorian independent MP Ali Cupper has struck a unique coalition with Fiona Patten’s Reason Party, in a bid to boost the duo’s influence in state politics. The MPs have dubbed themselves a “coalition of independent women”, pledging to work together in the Victorian Parliament and carve up portfolios as part of a…

MATT TAYLOR📷: Carmel Zaccone MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper will join forces with influential Victorian Upper House MP Fiona Patten in a newcoalition to “change Victoria for the better”. In a bombshell announcement, Ms Cupper will today become the Deputy Leader of Ms Patten’s Reason Party as she does “whatever it takes” to “score the…

By Noel TowellPhoto by Paul Jeffers They might look like a political odd couple; independent MP Ali Cupper from far-flung Mildura and the Reason Party’s uber-urban leader Fiona Patten. But the two state MPs say the deal they have struck, for Ms Cupper to join Reason as the minor party’s deputy leader, will pay off…

Mildura MP Ali Cupper Changes the Game Again Joint Media Statement: Fiona Patten MP Member for Northern Metropolitan Ali Cupper MP Member for Mildura Hailed as a ‘new coalition of independent women’, and in a move sure to change the way politics is done in Victoria, Member for Mildura Ali Cupper will now represent Reason…

By Paul Sakkal📷: James Alcock Micro-parties may find it more difficult to have their candidates elected under laws to be introduced to Victoria’s parliament that would ban the controversial practice of preference harvesting. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten has drafted legislation to make it illegal for a person to be paid by multiple parties or candidates…

Paying experts to “preference harvest” in state elections will be illegal if new Victorian legislation is passed, potentially wiping out minor parties. | Alex White Gaming the ballot box would be made illegal in Victoria in a move that if successful, could see minor parties wiped out in the state parliament… … Reason Party leader…

Benita Kolovos Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s contact tracing system. Professor Sutton will be among the Department of Health and Human Services witnesses called before the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee on Monday. The new DHHS secretary Euan Wallace will also…

Use of cannabis in Victoria is being examined by the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee. In this Video, Chair Fiona Patten MP and Deputy Chair Tien Kieu MP discuss some of the issues. Submissions are still welcome. Find out more at parliament.vic.gov.au/cannabisinquiry.

Anthony Piovesan The state’s top health officials, leading epidemiologists and tech personnel will give evidence on Victoria’s COVID-19 contact tracing system at a parliamentary inquiry on Monday. Australian Medical Association’s Julian Rait, Deakin University chair in epidemiology Catherine Bennett and Barwon Health infectious disease experts will appear at the public hearing at 9am. Business leaders…

By Ayomide Ibironke The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) has launched the ‘Burning Issues,’ a unique project established to mark the availability and use of safe nicotine products around the world. The GSTHR document the progress and public health potential of tobacco harm reduction because even before the COVID-19 pandemic hits the world…

JESS MALCOLM | Picture: Carmel Zaccone Mildura is set to become the new hemp capital of Victoria following the launch of a new trial into the viability of hemp production and cultivation in Sunraysia. Speaking at SuniTAFE, Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said there was huge potential for hemp production to play a bigger role…

The Australian | By CLAIRE HARVEY and NINA FUNNELLPicture: Andrew Henshaw The Victorian government on Tuesday night failed in the upper house to pass a controversial gag clause in the face of furious opposition from the families of murdered rape victims, including Jill Meagher. A crossbench revolt in the upper house threw into disarray the Andrews…

Credit: AAP Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is expected to give evidence at a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing system. The upper house inquiry, chaired by Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, is also expected to hear from state virus testing head Jeroen Weimar as well as Australia’s chief scientist Alan Finkel… ……

The leader of the Reason Party and cannabis advocate Fiona Patten has described how she “wore down” state authorities in her battle to end the discriminatory drug-driving laws in Victoria. But she warned the road to reform could still be “rocky” and stressed the police should not be allowed to dictate state laws. In an…

Tom Burton and Tom McIlroy Chief scientist Alan Finkel has broken with the Prime Minister and federal ministers, agreeing Victoria now has the best contact tracing platform of all the states and saying Australia has a chance to stop transmission of the virus completely. Dr Finkel also expressed strong confidence in all the states’ test, trace and…

By Sumeyya Ilanbey and Paul Sakkal📷: Jason South A parliamentary inquiry chaired by Reason Party MP Fiona Patten will investigate Victoria’s COVID-19 contact tracing system and how it performed during the deadly second wave. Upper house MPs passed a motion on Wednesday afternoon to establish the inquiry, with a report due by December 14… … Ms Patten said…

Victoria’s parliament will today debate legislation that critics say will ban families and media outlets from speaking about and reporting on deceased victims of sexual assault. The state government says the changes are necessary to fix laws that banned survivors from speaking publicly about the crime. But critics warn the changes go too far and…

by AAP NEWSWIRE Victoria is set to become the last Australian state to introduce a spent convictions scheme. A bill was introduced in state parliament on Tuesday that will prevent the disclosure of eligible minor convictions after 10 years if a person has committed no other crime. Convictions will also become ‘spent’ and no longer show…

Zero. Nada. None. Nil. Zilch. No New Cases Means Premier Must Open Safely – and Now. Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of The Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has called on Premier Daniel Andrews to finally take the opening steps he has promised every Victorian as the state records zero new cases of Covid19…

Larissa Sandy | Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University The Victorian government has just received a landmark review into the state’s sex work laws. This is the first large-scale review of Victorian sex work laws since 1985 and presents a huge opportunity for change. With the Victorian Labor Party platform in favour of sex work decriminalisation,…

Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has backed a group of candidates for council elections in Victoria that she hopes will see the party extend its reach from state parliament to local government. “We are running a targeted campaign in a select group of wards where we believe…

Melburnians have woken up to an easing of restrictions, with changes to travel, outdoor gatherings, sport and hairdressers now in effect. For the first time in months, Melbourne residents will be allowed to travel up to 25 kilometres away from their homes and can leave the house for as long as they like. While hairdressers…

Cait Kelly Reporter In addition to deciding the fate of their political representatives on Saturday, New Zealanders also cast their votes on the burning issue of cannabis legalisation. While the results of that referendum won’t be known until October 30, it has already sparked conversation across the ditch, with both pro- and anti-cannabis law reform…

By Gillian Jalimnson In the Australian state of Victoria, a Government working group will be formed with view to making changes to road laws effectively forbidding patients who take legally prescribed medicines with THC from driving. Currently, it is an offence in Victoria for a person to drive with any amount of THC in their system – and…

By ANTHONY PIOVESAN 📷: Andrew Henshaw/NCA NewsWire The Victorian government will back a push for medicinal cannabis patients to be able to drive in an Australian-first move. Victorian Reason Party MP Fiona Patten – behind the push supported in parliament on Wednesday – said it was “simply unfair” Australia was “the only jurisdiction” that prevented medicinal…

Alex White, Herald Sun A new law could allow people taking medicinal cannabis to be able to drive a car while medicated in Victoria. Currently, anyone taking cannabis for medical reasons cannot hit the roads at all, effectively rendering them unable to drive a car. However, in a new push Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten…

By Noel Towell and Michael Fowler, photo by Wayne Taylor Victoria’s medicinal cannabis users could be free as early as next year to drive with the substance in their bodies as the state government considers major changes to drug-driving laws. In an Australian first, the state government could begin to treat medicinal cannabis the same as other medications…

By Elias Clure The Victorian Government’s coronavirus omnibus bill has passed Parliament, extending the state of emergency until April, and giving police new powers to enforce measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. The bill was passed after the Government abandoned controversial sections that would have given authorised officers the power to detain a person if…

Interview with Fiona Patten, leader, Reason Party. Trioli mentions someone has pointed out the powers in the omnibus bill were set to lapse. Patten says they are a solution searching for a problem. Click PLAY below to hear more.

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metro, Fiona Patten MP has said a disappointing federal budget leaves plenty to do for the State Government. “The federal budget failed women and it has failed public housing,”  “Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas must pick up the pieces otherwise our state is destined to be shaped by…

The restriction of exercise to a radius of five kilometres from a person’s home has significantly concentrated the exercising population, to such a degree that it is difficult to effectively socially distance in some areas at peak times. Local routes have become more crowded than ever as, in the absence of other options, runners, cyclists,…

In this fourth episode of the Spring Series 2020, I’m joined once more by Fiona Patten MLC, leader of the Reason Party in the Victorian Parliament. We talk about many things including the politicisation of the Quarantimes in Victoria, how to handle a tsunami of email, honey, her certificate of appreciation from the supposed Satanic…

By Rachael Dexter Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has signalled his government is willing to negotiate with crossbench MPs to get a controversial new law through parliament that would give state officials the power to detain people considered a high risk of spreading COVID-19. Under the proposed law, health authorities could forcibly detain people they suspect would…

Interview with Fiona Patten, leader, Reason Party. Macdonald says senior Victorian bureaucrats, police and emergency chiefs are continuing to experience collective amnesia as they deliver evidence to the state government’s inquiry into the Covid-19 hotel quarantine debacle. “It’s really quite extraordinary, and obviously not acceptable”, says Ms Patten. Click PLAY below to hear more

Roger Vaughan Prominent legal figures want the Victorian government to change its controversial COVID-19 Omnibus bill, calling some of the provisions “unprecedented, excessive and open to abuse”. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten also will not vote for the bill unless there are amendments… … “This will be something that I would probably want voted on…

Fiona Patten told Neil Mitchell that much of the bill was worth supporting for public health reasons, but admitted it needed further inspection. The Reason Party won’t be voting in favour of it. “Not in its current form,” she said. Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Mornings

Patrick Durkin BOSS Deputy editor A powerful group of retired judges and leading QCs has written to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews expressing alarm over proposed laws giving designated officers power to arrest anyone suspected of breaching COVID-19 rules. The COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) and Other Acts Amendment Bill passed the lower house of Victoria’s Parliament on Friday,…

By Noel Towell, Henrietta Cook and Michael Fowler The key crossbench MP who guaranteed the Andrews government’s state of emergency powers wants Melbourne’s curfew lifted, as retail groups lobby for night-time restrictions to be scrapped. Reason Party upper house MP Fiona Patten has told The Age that the curfew should go. “If there are no health benefits to the curfew, then…

By Dr Hilary Caldwell and Dr Zahra Stardust UNSW academics argue that the review into sex work could result in positive changes to the working conditions for many sex workers. As the Victorian Government conducts its review into the regulation of sex work, the push for decriminalisation is accelerating across the country. With the recent…

A storm knocked out power to the Thornbury Turf Strokers’ pavilion at Yarra Bend Park in October, 2018. Almost two years later the club, despite its best efforts, is still waiting for electricity to be restored. Here’s why. Paul Amy, Leader The Thornbury Turf Strokers Cricket Club thinks it’s lucky to call A E Corben…

By STEPHANIE PALMER-DERRIEN Daniel Andrews’ extension of metropolitan Melbourne’s stage four lockdown, and the reopening roadmap unveiled last weekend, mean many businesses won’t be able to trade as normal until the end of November. And that’s in a best-case scenario. Since Sunday’s announcement, there have been more and more calls to extend the financial support…

Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has again called on the Victorian government to make funds immediately available to thousands of small businesses who are on the brink of closing their doors. “In parliament last week, I called on the Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford and Minister for…

By Jewel Topsfield As someone who has spent decades defending the sex industry, Fiona Patten is no stranger to what she calls the “rough and tumble”. “It’s not like I am a snowflake,” the libertarian and social reformer says. But Patten, now a Victorian Legislative Council member and leader of the Reason Party, says she has…

By Erin Pearson and Noel Towell The Victorian government has won a six-month extension of its powers to declare the coronavirus pandemic an ongoing state of emergency, following a marathon debate overnight. Shortly after 9pm, when the first vote on the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Bill took place, 21 MPs voted in favour and 18 against. The…

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten says she understands why people are “fired up” over the state government’s bid to re-write the State of Emergency legislation, but says it’s the only way forward for Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Patten will vote in favour of the legislation, which will give the government the power to…

by AAP NEWSWIRE A torrent of abuse about Victoria’s controversial state of emergency bill has prompted crossbencher Fiona Patten to call in the police. As the Victorian parliament prepares to vote on an extension to the emergency powers, the state recorded five more coronavirus deaths and 70 new cases. The deaths take the state toll to…

Josh Butler Political Editor A dozen Victorian politicians are at the centre of an “unprecedented” social media pile-on, each being flooded with thousands of abusive emails, calls and messages from anti-lockdown conspiracy theorists opposed to the state government’s COVID response. Violent and aggressive messages have been referred to police, as the state parliament votes on…

By Noel Towell | 📷: Wayne Taylor The state government’s key decisions in its fight against COVID-19 would be reviewed by a new parliamentary committee under a compromise deal being considered to break the political impasse over Victoria’s state of emergency laws. Premier Daniel Andrews says a 12-month extension of Victoria’s stage of emergency is…

By Fiona Patten, published in The Age Premier Daniel Andrews’ move to extend the current state of emergency out to 18 months was mishandled from the moment he stepped up to the podium on Monday, in the latest episode of the mandatory television viewing that has become Victorians’ Daily Dose of Dan. Like many Victorians,…

The New Daily @TheNewDailyAU Victoria’s coronavirus cases have bounced back from Monday’s low, with 148 new infections confirmed on Tuesday. The state’s death toll has also climbed further, with eight more deaths. Victoria has now lost 438 lives to the pandemic – although Tuesday’s toll is the lowest in several days. Australia’s national COVID toll…

Opinion | By James Moutsias📷: Joe Aramo Premier Dan Andrews has said he intends to extend Victoria’s ‘‘state of emergency’’ for an extra 12 months past the September 13 deadline. Whether that ends up happening will reveal just how much our society values democracy. The DHHS directions that enforce the current COVID-19 restrictions come under the…

The Victorian government seems increasingly unlikely to get legislation which would give it the power to extend a State of Emergency for another year through parliament. “From the conversations I had last night, I can’t see where he’s going to find the magic 20 votes he’s going to need to pass this,” Reason Party leader…

By Chip Le Grand and Sumeyya Ilanbey Political opposition is building against Victoria’s protracted state of emergency after Premier Daniel Andrews said extraordinary powers in force since the start of the pandemic would be needed until a COVID-19 vaccine was found. The Victorian opposition has rejected extending the emergency provisions indefinitely, while crossbench MPs said the issue was…

This week in Parliament, leader of the Reason Party and member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten MP, presented two bills to the Victorian Parliament. Both Bills aim to deal with religious privilege and uphold secular values. State Taxation Acts Amendment (Redress Scheme) Bill 2020 After recently moving a motion urging the Attorney-General to remove…

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP, has today called on all sides politics to exhibit leadership in the community interest as MPs wrestle with the task of returning to parliament, again, next week. Ms Patten has written to the President of Victoria’s Upper House Nazih Elasmar, Chief Health Officer…

In a special ceremony held online Wednesday night (July 29), Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten, has been named 2020 Humanist of the Year. The prestigious honour, first given to Senator and High Court Justice Lionel Murphy in 1983, is awarded by the Australian Council of Humanists Societies in…

“Today in Victoria there were 484 new cases of Covid19,” said Ms Patten.  “That’s way too high.” “Please. Stay the F**k at Home.”

Despite numerous promises to act, the Victorian Government is dragging its heels when it comes to fixing laws around driving and medicinal cannabis, says Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten MP. “Medicinal cannabis is the only prescription medication that excludes you from driving,” said Ms Patten. “And Australia is…

THE views and suggestions of young Victorians will be heard at a public hearing for the parliamentary inquiry into homelessness tomorrow. The Youth Affairs Council Victoria and Mission Australia will be among the organisations presenting… … “In its submission to the inquiry the Youth Affairs Council Victoria has told us that on any night at…

Up to 80 women and children sleep in their cars in a Greater Geelong church carpark guarded by volunteers every night, an inquiry into homelessness has heard. Olivia Shying, Geelong Advertiser Up to 80 women and children sleep in their cars in a guarded church carpark each night because they have nowhere else to go,…

CHAD VAN ESTROP HOMELESSNESS in the Geelong and Barwon southwest region will be investigated through a state parliament committee on Monday. Community organisations and service providers will share their experiences with politicians from the Legislative Council legal and social issues committee. Chair Fiona Patten said there was “unprecedented demand for services to assist people who…

Alex White and Shannon Deery, Herald SunPicture: Jake Nowakowski Victorians in lockdown are being urged to wear masks if they can’t physically distance when in public. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) now recommend all Victorians in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire to wear a mask if unable to socially distance outside. The Australian Medical…

Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has today joined forces with GP Lorraine Baker, to call on the Health Minister to change Victoria’s public health advice on face masks, in an effort to stem community transmission of Coronavirus. Government advice on face masks has not changed since March…

– Stage 3 Restrictions Reimposed– Parliament Must Not be Delayed– Business Needs Further Support From Midnight Wednesday 8th July, Stage 3 Stay at Home Restrictions will again be applied across metro Melbourne for the next six weeks. This is on top of the looming border closure between Victoria and NSW, the suburbs already in lockdown and the even heavier restrictions that have been placed on the residents…

The Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of two Victorian organisations that failed to sign up to the National Redress Scheme by the 30 June 2020 deadline. More than 1800 children were abused by 1006 perpetrators in Jehovah’s Witness institutions, the Royal Commission found. “Jehovah Witnesses reported zero allegations to authorities or police and now refuse to…

Mornings with Neil Mitchell: Neil asks Fiona if she wears a face mask and if the State Government is doing a good job on responding to Covid.

Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of The Reason Party, Fiona Patten, has instructed parliamentary counsel to draft a Bill that will remove charitable tax exemptions from Victorian institutions who refuse to sign up to the National Redress Scheme for People Who Have Experienced Child Sexual Abuse. Organisations are due to sign up to the…

Our voice of Reason, Fiona Patten, called in to discuss a petition she is backing to save Victoria’s live music venues after the hardships and loss of work due to COVID-19. To show your support for venues, musicians, hospitality and our economy, go to SaveOurScene.com.au.

By Fiona Patten, as published in The Age For many of us, the announcement of a second safe injecting centre in Melbourne came more as a relief than a surprise. The North Richmond centre has become one of the busiest in the world, providing services for 4350 people who visited the centre 119,000 times. This…

When: Thursday 18 June, 8:15am Where: Parliament Doors Who: Fiona Patten MP, Save Our Scene Campaigners & Live Music Venue Owners  Leader of The Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, will be making an announcement with the Save Our Scene group to call on the Victorian Government to step in and save the live music industry…

By Ben Schneiders and Sumeyya Ilanbey, 📷: Scott Mcnaughton The first laws in Australia to make the deliberate underpayment of wages a crime appear likely to pass Victoria’s upper house as early as this week. The Andrews government’s Wage Theft Bill includes hefty fines and up to 10 years’ jail for rogue employers, with a team of new…

Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region has today launched a new campaign #FightStupid. Because, some things are just plain stupid and need to be called out. Street posters have gone up around Melbourne emblazoned with examples such as “5G does not cause coronavirus” and “Wash hands – yes, drink bleach – no.” Signs of…

Leader of The Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, is urging Police Minister Lisa Neville to immediately implement a monitoring system for racial profiling in Victoria – a full three years after Victorian Police committed to do so.  Racial profile monitoring is where police collate demographic data for all stops, searches, move-on…

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A State Parliament inquiry has been launched into the forced closure of commercial caterer I Cook Foods by Greater Dandenong Council and the state’s health department. The Legislative Council’s legal and social issues committee will investigate actions by Greater Dandenong Council, chief executive John Bennie and council officers, as well as the…

By Marnie Banger Victoria will have a second safe injecting room in the heart of Melbourne after a review found its first site had saved at least 21 lives. But the state government has acknowledged it has more work to do to improve perceptions of safety issues near the original centre in North Richmond… …Reason…

Friday 5 June 2020 Fiona Patten MP Welcomes Second Safe Injecting Facility in Melbourne CBD North Richmond MSIR trial extended for three years Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten, has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Government that it has accepted all recommendations of the independent review of Victoria’s…

By state political reporter Richard Willingham The closure of a Melbourne catering business that claims authorities planted a slug in its kitchen will be examined by a Victorian parliamentary committee. Last year, I Cook Foods — which supplies packaged foods for nursing homes, Meals on Wheels and hospitals — was temporarily shut down by Dandenong council…

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has called on the Victorian Government to commence a trial of a four-day work week and other flexible work programs. “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that Victorians are adaptable,” Ms Patten said. “Many employees and employers alike are finding that allowing for flexible…

SHANNON DEERY | Picture: AAP Millions of dollars could be pumped back into the state budget if Victoria moved to a four day work week, preliminary costings have shown. Now Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has called on the Victorian government to trial a four day work week with the view to implementing it across…

WORDS BY TOM PARKER A chat with Guy Palermo, the man leading the charge to save Melbourne’s live music venues. On Monday March 16, Melbourne’s beloved rock music cauldron The Bendigo Hotel shut its doors as the coronavirus flexed its muscle. Venues were dropping left, right and centre in the wake of an unprecedented parasite…

By Tamara Clark The City of Melbourne has unanimously passed a motion proposing a ban on e-cigarettes and vaping in selected areas throughout the city. The move comes after councillors voted in favour of a motion to amend council’s local law to align with the Tobacco Act 1987 by including vaping using an e-cigarette at…

With poker machine venues currently out of action due to the pandemic, Victorians are not only saving millions of dollars, but it’s saving lives and livelihoods of problem gamblers. Fiona Patten says now is the time for pokies reform.

📷 L-R: Winda-Mara’s Michael Bell, Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, Woor-Dungin’s Naomi Murphy and CIJ’s Stan Winford RMIT researchers have partnered with Aboriginal organisations on a new project to tackle barriers to employment for Aboriginal people. Building on earlier successful work addressing this issue, the Rethinking Criminal Records project will educate employers and job seekers…

With strip clubs and brothels forced to remain closed through all three stages of the government’s roadmap to recovery, sex workers are having to find new ways to serve their clientele to earn a living. Interview with Fiona Patten 26/5/20.    

By SHIBU THOMAS Do you have an opinion about the use of cannabis in Victoria? Now is the time to have your say! The Legal and Social Issues committee of the Victorian Legislative Council has set up an inquiry into the use of Cannabis and is inviting suggestions from the public. “We want to hear…

The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is inviting public submissions for its new inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria. As Committee Chair, I look forward to starting work on this. The broad-ranging inquiry will examine access to and use of cannabis in Victoria, including ways to prevent children and young people…

Mitchell states Fiona Patten wants the Government to provide Hydromorphone to addicts.  

Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party Leader. Trioli states Patten wants the Vic Government the safe-injecting trial to be extended.  

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, has today called for a trial of hydromorphone for the states’ opioid users, arguing the coronavirus is leading to riskier drug use.   “We know the pandemic will affect the drug supply, but that doesn’t mean it will stop opioid addiction,…

By Jewel Topsfield, 📷 by Wayne Taylor One of the architects of the controversial safe injecting room has called for it to prescribe a pharmaceutical opioid to drug users to reduce the illicit heroin trade in North Richmond. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten wants the state government to extend the two year trial of the medically…

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for the Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has welcomed the release of the Global Commission on Drug Policy’s 2020 report, Enforcement Of Drug Laws Refocusing On Organized Crime Elites. The major report highlights how prohibition has weakened social structures in the community and entrenched power within criminal organisations. It…

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has joined with other organisations around Australia in an effort to halt the vote on a proposed ban on vaping in parts of the CBD of Melbourne, saying that Melbourne City Councilors have simply not been given the right information.   “Vaping isn’t…

has joined with other organisations around Australia in an effort to halt the vote on a proposed ban on vaping in parts of the CBD of Melbourne, saying that Melbourne City Councillors have simply not been given the right information.

Matt Johnston and James Campbell, Sunday Herald Sun An Australian Army veteran who claims medicinal cannabis has played a vital role in his battle against PTSD has made an emotional plea to the federal government to try and change their policy on the drug. An Australian Army veteran battling post-traumatic stress disorder has called for the federal government to…

JACK NEEDHAM A member of Victoria’s upper house is lobbying for commercial tenants, who have limited prospects of reopening for business after the pandemic has passed, to seek early termination of their leases. This comes a week after similar legislation in Western Australia was put on the back burner following intense opposition from the property…

Christie Eliezer Contributing Editor The Music Network Melbourne venue operators will put their case to parliament on Thursday for financial survival. Senator Fiona Patten of the Reason Party will table a Change.org petition that was set up when the city’s music spaces went into lockdown in March. It was written by Guy Palermo, owner of 300-capacity venue…

Save Live Music Venues, Plan for the Future, says Reason Member for Northern Metropolitan and Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten has today called on the Victorian Government to put its shoulder to the wheel and save Victoria’s creative industries – before a bad situation gets worse. “Creative industries bring in $23 billion to…

SHIBU THOMAS There was outrage in the community after the findings of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s (IBAC) investigation into the 2019 raid on iconic LGBTIQ bookstore Hares & Hyenas in Fitzroy were made public. Soon, support too poured in with some starting a trend on social media to with the hashtag #buyabook from Hares…

Leader of the Reason Party and Victorian Legislative Council member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, joined Tom and Jess to discuss the lack of oversight on decisions made by the Government during this pandemic crisis and how we should have more control over laws passed. Plus with the High Court decision to release Cardinal…

By Noel Towell, 📷: Nine Victoria’s opposition and crossbench politicians are demanding to be allowed back into the state’s political process, saying the Andrews government is limiting personal freedoms in the COVID-19 crisis without democratic scrutiny. Police have extraordinary powers to stop, fine and even detain Victorians while enforcing the shutdown regime, but State Parliament, the…

By Jessica Longbottom, 📷: (AAP: Scott Barbour) Victorian crossbenchers have called on the Government to immediately review some of the most draconian regulations put in place to suppress the spread of coronavirus, including directions prohibiting people sitting alone in public spaces and going fishing. The Reason Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens said many of…

Yesterday was a low day for me. I know it was an awful day for many others, especially survivors of sexual abuse. These days are testing for most of us in ways we could not have foreseen even a couple of weeks ago. I have been on my own for a number of weeks and…

Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has today joined with key crossbench colleagues to call on the Government to ensure the Victorian Parliament has proper oversight of decisions during the Covid -19 crisis.   “We all need to work together to flatten the curve, so I accept that during…

RACHEL BAXENDALE VICTORIAN POLITICAL REPORTER @rachelbaxendale, 📷: AAP Victorian Premier Daniel And­rews has responded to the High Court’s unanimous quashing of Cardinal George Pell’s conviction by saying he believes “every single victim and survivor of child sex abuse”. In a brief and carefully worded statement, Mr Andrews made it clear his sympathies did not lie…

Covid19: Media Arrangements for Fiona Patten MP Not for Publication: Media Advice Only   Fiona Patten MP, Federal Leader of the Reason Party and Victorian Member for North Metropolitan Region, is available for media interviews during the Covid19 shutdown. Ms Patten has access to broadcast quality video call capability for television or online media outlets,…

Tuesday, March 24, 2020   Media Release: Bring Back the Kiwi Safety Net   Leader of Reason and Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, has called on the federal government to extend Centrelink benefits to New Zealanders in Australia for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are over 90,000 Kiwis living in…

Advice is fast-changing at the moment in relation to the Covid19 pandemic. So to clarify, as of midday today a variety of businesses will either shutdown, or have their working arrangements severely affected. Pubs, clubs, nightclubs, Crown Casino, and other licensed venues in hotels and pubs are shutdown. Add to that list gyms, indoor sporting…

Marnie Banger A council deemed “broken” by years of bitter feuds is set to become Victoria’s second local government to be sacked within two months. The Andrews government has moved to dump Whittlesea Council in Melbourne’s outer north, after a monitor found its governance had “irretrievably collapsed”… … Influential upper house crossbencher, the Reason Party’s…

by JAMES BENNETT Returning unused housing to the market could be a “start” towards reducing homelessness, according to State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed. Ms Sheed said an ongoing investigation into homelessness by her office had revealed hundreds of unoccupied homes… … “This multi-party committee chaired by Fiona Patten MP is doing valuable work in examining…

By Tony Zhang A coalition of union, civil society, faith-based and human rights groups has told the Andrews government they must take a stand against rising hate in the Victorian community.  The groups have given evidence on Wednesday to a parliamentary inquiry considering proposed changes to Victoria’s anti-vilification laws. The inquiry was called in response…

By Elise Kinsella Victoria’s Commissioner for Children has announced an investigation into why hundreds of children are going missing from the state’s residential care system each year. It follows an ABC report which revealed more than 600 children are reported missing from the state’s care each year, with the vast majority of them going missing from residential…

JESSI LEWIS The Victorian Government is currently undertaking a review to consider whether decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria is necessary. Fiona Patten MP is leading the review, and submissions from those within the industry are currently being sought to help shape the outcome of the inquiry. There are however more complex issues at hand,…

Alex White, Herald Sun Victorians who have been prosecuted for a minor crime in the past will be able to have their record clear under a new scheme set to be introduced, but there are a few conditions. Under the new plan people who have committed a minor offence and demonstrated an ability to rehabilitate,…

The State Government has announced a Spent Convictions Scheme. It means Victorians who have been prosecuted for a minor crime in the past will be able to have that removed from their public record after a period of time – the conviction will still be on file – to help their chances of gain employment…

Victoria has joined the rest of the country in committing to a spent convictions scheme to prevent old criminal records impeding employment and rehabilitation. The Andrews government’s decision, announced on Thursday, brings Victoria into line with other states in adopting legislation that ensures historical criminal records are not an impediment for individuals’ rehabilitation, or to…

Alex White, Herald Sun Hundreds of foster children in Victoria could potentionally remain in care until they turn 21, with the state government pledging support for a crossbencers push to increase age of care from 18. Foster care could be extended from 18 to 21 years in Victoria with the state government pledging support in principle…

Reason Victoria leader Fiona Patten is chairing an inquiry into homelessness in Victoria, and Tom and Wayne find out what’s going to stick this time. Plus the Reason Party are headed up to the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, so has Fiona learnt her choreography yet, and could we ever see her on Dancing with the Stars, or maybe…

  Chair of the Homelessness Inquiry and Northern Metropolitan MP, Fiona Patten, reflects on a day of public hearings.   Yesterday, I chaired the Legal and Social Issues Committee’s second Melbourne public hearings into Homelessness   Much to my surprise, it was a day of relative optimism.   We heard from a range of witnesses…

      The view from left field with Fiona Patten, leader of the Reason Party.  

  Involved with cricket? Than listen up, there’s a bunch  of grants available to you from Cricket Victoria and the State Government. Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and the Australian Cricketers Association have launched the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) in Victoria. Clubs can apply funding for minor and major grants of…

By Alex Bruce-Smith A doctor in Victoria is refusing to offer vital reproductive health care – including prescribing contraception or providing advice about abortion and vasectomies – in what appears to be a growing issue in response to debate around the Religious Discrimination Bill. A sign outside the Torquay Medical Health & Wellness Clinic, posted to…

             

      Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party head. A Torquay doctor Hong sparked controversy by refusing IVF and abortion services.  

Fiona Patten joins Tom and Jess to discuss the current state of the Australian bushfires, as well as a listener question about one of her own past decisions. Plus, with Christian missionaries installing “God TV” in the homes of indigenous Australians, their director has retracted a claim that the service is responsible for preventing suicides in…

By Erin Pearson and Ashleigh McMillan Swastika badges and rings being sold as war memorabilia at a Melbourne trash and treasure market has angered the Jewish community and reignited debate about banning the items. It comes as residents of the small Victorian town of Beulah, where a couple had been flying a Nazi flag over their home this…

Friday, January 17, 2020   Fiona Patten, Member for Northern Metro and Leader of the Reason Party, will today join other MP’s in launching High Alert, a campaign to end the use of sniffer dogs at music festivals and nightclubs.   Drug detection dogs are widely used at music festivals in Victoria despite evidence suggesting they…

By Caitlin Fitzsimmons Two of the country’s minor political parties will join forces and merge in NSW in a bid to put assisted dying laws back on the legislative agenda. The 1800 state members of the Voluntary Euthanasia Party have voted overwhelmingly to become the NSW branch of the Reason Party, originally founded as the Sex…

By Michael Fowler The 75-year-old man who went on hunger strike for climate change ended his 38-day fast on Christmas afternoon before going to hospital to start a strict recuperation program. Dave McKay had sat on the steps of Victorian Parliament since November 19, refusing to consume anything aside from water and supplements until 12 MPs…

BY AAP *”We are grateful John enjoyed good health and remained very active prior to his stroke. He is much loved and admired by his family and will be greatly missed,” Cain family statement *”John’s leadership transformed Labor into a party that not only represented the interests of working people – but could deliver as…

By state political reporter Bridget Rollason More than 100 people who work at Central Pier in Melbourne’s Docklands have lost their jobs on the eve of Christmas, as businesses grapple with an uncertain future. The century-old pier was abruptly shut down 15 weeks ago by the State Government, after it was deemed structurally unsound by Development Victoria….

Leader of Reason Victoria, Fiona Patten joins Tom and Jess to discuss the Prime Minister’s focus on the draft of the Religious Freedom Bill taking attention away from the country battling a bushfire crisis. Looking ahead to 2020, Fiona thinks we need to find a solution to housing affordability in the state.

Fiona Patten says Sustainable Australia MP Clifford Hayes was the colleague who impressed her most in parliament this year. And the Liberal Party was the biggest disappointment. Patten, leader of the Reason Party, was asked to award her best-on-ground and wooden spooner for 2019. She said Mr Hayes, who entered the legislative council following last…

Rhiannon Down, Herald SunPicture; Andrew Tauber Hundreds of people marched yesterday to reclaim Merri Creek Trail following a horror sex attack on a jogger. Residents and supporters joined the Reclaim Our Merri Creek walk to show solidarity with the victim, who was assaulted in Coburg last Tuesday… … Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, who also attended the march,…

An inquiry into the growing issue of homelessness across Victoria began in Bairnsdale on Monday. It was the first in a series of regional forums. The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee has identified family violence as the number one reason women become homeless… … The committee Chair, Fiona Patten, the regional hearings would…

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz have announced the appointment of Fiona Patten @FionaPattenMLC, to conduct a comprehensive review to consider the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria. Fiona’s tireless advocacy for sex worker rights makes her the best possible person to Chair this review.

Photo; JANIE BARRETT The call for a review of whether sex work should be decriminalised in Victoria is a welcome step and one that is sure to generate its share of heated discussion. In its most transactional form, prostitution is the exchange of sexual services for payment no different to many other types of work….

By Farrah Tomazin Street prostitution has declined so dramatically in Victoria that police recorded only five solicitation crimes against sex workers last year – down from almost 500 offences 14 years ago. Days after Victoria announced a wide-ranging review that could pave the way for the decriminalisation of the sex industry, new figures reveal that street-based…

GEMMA BATH – With AAP Sex work could be fully decriminalised in Victoria within two years, with “incredibly outdated” laws regulating the industry set to be reviewed. The inquiry comes as sex workers say the current legislation is putting their safety at risk. Reason Party MP and long-time sex worker advocate Fiona Patten has been…

By Noel Towell, Farrah Tomazin and Sumeyya Ilanbey Victoria has taken its first step toward decriminalising prostitution, launching an inquiry into the laws around sex work to be led by crossbench state MP Fiona Patten. Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz announced on Wednesday morning that the review will cover commercial brothels and escort agencies, massage parlours and street prostitution….