Victoria to review sex work laws

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Victoria is set to thoroughly review its laws regulating sex work for the first time in more than 30 years, with a view to potentially decriminalising the industry. The six-month inquiry, which will start next year, will examine workplace safety, stigma and criminal activity within the industry. It will be led by Reason Party MP…
Read More Victoria to review sex work laws

Brothels, escort services and massage parlours to be reviewed under sex work probe

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Alex White and Kieran Rooney, Herald Sun Brothels, escort services and massage parlours will be put under the microscope as part of an unprecedented review in Victoria that could lead to the decriminalisation of sex work. The state government launched the statewide sex work review today, which will be headed by Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten, who has been…
Read More Brothels, escort services and massage parlours to be reviewed under sex work probe

Victorian sex work inquiry to review outdated and ‘unfit for purpose’ laws

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Australian Associated Press A day after the Northern Territory parliament voted to legalise sex work, the Victorian government has announced the first large-scale review of laws regulating the industry since 1985. The six-month inquiry will examine workplace safety, stigma and criminal activity within the industry. It will be led by Reason Party MP and sex worker advocate…
Read More Victorian sex work inquiry to review outdated and ‘unfit for purpose’ laws

Call to scrap Victoria’s blasphemy laws

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With AAP It’s time for Victoria to ditch “archaic” blasphemy laws because they favour Christian faiths, a state independent MP says. Upper House Reason Party MP Fiona Patten will table a bill in parliament on Wednesday to abolish the laws, in line with Queensland, WA, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. “The fundamental issue…
Read More Call to scrap Victoria’s blasphemy laws

MEDIA RELEASE: The Greens and Reason Party make history by joining forces for first ever co-sponsored bill

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  The Victorian Greens and Reason Party will make history tomorrow when they table a co-sponsored bill introducing a two-year pill testing pilot in Victoria. This unprecedented show of cooperation marks the first time two parties have co-sponsored a bill in a single house in the 163-year history of the Victorian Parliament. The Bill would…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: The Greens and Reason Party make history by joining forces for first ever co-sponsored bill

The Age: ‘Crown is a law unto itself’: Demands for royal commission as new whistleblower speaks out

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By Noel Towell   Melbourne’s Crown casino faces fresh demands for an official inquiry into its activities, with allegations to be aired that the venue brings overseas high rollers into Australia without customs checks. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie will use the claims of a limousine driver for the gambling giant, who alleges a culture of drugs,…
Read More The Age: ‘Crown is a law unto itself’: Demands for royal commission as new whistleblower speaks out

Can Government really say Crown is free from corruption?

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Victorian Reason Party MP Fiona Patten and Federal Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie join forces to demand action on Crown Casino: 12pm, Monday 14 October, Senate Courtyard, Parliament House, Canberra. Ms Patten again calls on Victorian Premier Dan Andrews for Inquiry into Crown and casino regulator amid disturbing allegations. Reason Party Leader and Member for…
Read More Can Government really say Crown is free from corruption?

SBS: Religious Discrimination Bill debated as the measure splits public opinion

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Debate continues to circle the Religious Discrimination Bill as the Morrison government attempts to balance the views of public submissions on the matter. BY TOM STAYNER Cover 📷: AAP   The Morrison government’s Religious Discrimination Bill – aimed at protecting religious expression from being discriminated against – continues to be gripped by heated debate. Attorney-General Christian…
Read More SBS: Religious Discrimination Bill debated as the measure splits public opinion

The Guardian: Australian Christian Lobby backs sacking of employees with no ‘Christian sexual ethic’

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ACL director Martyn Iles says businesses should have greater powers to hire and fire, but denies Christians have a ‘special vendetta’ against LGBT people         By Paul Karp Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP   The Australian Christian Lobby has backed calls for religious businesses such as aged care providers to gain more powers of…
Read More The Guardian: Australian Christian Lobby backs sacking of employees with no ‘Christian sexual ethic’

Which hateful group will Liberal MP Bernie Finn engage this year?

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has confirmed that she and her supporters will attend the Reproductive Justice Rally on the steps of Parliament House on Saturday, October 12. The rally aims to be a counterpoint to the annual ‘March for the Babies’, a religious-based anti-abortion protest organised by right-wing Liberal MP…
Read More Which hateful group will Liberal MP Bernie Finn engage this year?

Fiona Patten to debate at National Press Club

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, will appear at the National Press Club in Canberra, 12:30pm Wednesday October 9, in a head-to-head televised debate against the Australian Christian Lobby’s Managing Director Martyn Iles. The two will debate the Morrison Government’s proposed religious freedom legislation. Ms Patten is appearing in her role as…
Read More Fiona Patten to debate at National Press Club

openforum.com.au: Victoria moves to curb online abuse

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Jay Thompson   In early September, the leader of Victoria’s Reason Party Fiona Patten announced a new piece of legislation designed to enhance the Australian state’s anti-vilification laws. Specifically, this legislation aims to curb sexist, homophobic and ableist trolling that attacks people with disabilities.     The proposed legislation aims to enhance Victoria State’s anti-vilification laws. …
Read More openforum.com.au: Victoria moves to curb online abuse

ABC News: Driving under the influence of medical cannabis is illegal, but patients are still taking the risk

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By Ben Knight PHOTO: Julie* uses cannabis oil, but when she drives to work she knows she is breaking the law. (ABC North Coast: Catherine Marciniak)   When the pain gets too bad, Julie* puts a couple of drops of cannabis oil under her tongue, to ease her chronic pain and help her sleep. It contains a low…
Read More ABC News: Driving under the influence of medical cannabis is illegal, but patients are still taking the risk

The Age: After a lonely end

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People die alone in their homes every day. Nicole Precel talks to those called to go in after.   It’s usually the stench that prompts neighbours to call police. It’s unexpected, metallic, rotting. It coats the inside of your mouth, revisiting you hours later. It has been three weeks since Arthur* sat on his bed,…
Read More The Age: After a lonely end

Statement by Fiona Patten MP

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• Rioli Cannabis Suspension: AFL/ASADA Must Review Rules Now • Incident Shows Why Cannabis Use Inquiry By Victorian Parliament Is Much Needed • ACT Parliament Debating Bill to Make Cannabis Use Legal Shows Community Attitudes Have Evolved   Reason Party Leader and Victorian MP for Northern Metro Fiona Patten, has called on the AFL and…
Read More Statement by Fiona Patten MP

The Australian: ‘Young people will die without pill testing’: Victorian MP’s festival plea

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By JESSE BURNS Photo by AAP   Victorian upper house MP Fiona Patten says young people will die this summer unless Premier Daniel Andrews allows drug testing at music festivals. Ms Patten held a press conference on Monday, alongside young people who had experienced near-death incidents as a result of taking drugs, arguing lives lost from…
Read More The Australian: ‘Young people will die without pill testing’: Victorian MP’s festival plea

Media Release: Victorian politician auctions erotic art collection

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Items from Australia’s first National Museum of Erotica have been listed for sale through Lawsons’ auction house. The online auction, entitled ‘Body Politics’, is owned by Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, and her partner Robbie Swan. The two have been collecting erotic art and ephemera since the early 1990s. Ms Patten…
Read More Media Release: Victorian politician auctions erotic art collection

3AW: ‘It’s just vile some of the things we’ve seen’: Patten’s push for tougher anti-trolling laws

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A push from Reason Party MP, Fiona Patten, for tough new anti-trolling laws was sent to the parliamentary committee on Wednesday morning. Ms Patten told 3AW’s Ross and John the current law is “pretty old fashioned” and needs refreshing in the current climate. “Currently we have a vilification law that protects people from being vilified…
Read More 3AW: ‘It’s just vile some of the things we’ve seen’: Patten’s push for tougher anti-trolling laws

3AW: The push to move the AFL grand final holiday to the Monday after the game

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A push to move Victoria’s newest public holiday is under way. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten last night moved a motion to shift the AFL grand final holiday from the Friday before the game to the Monday after. The motion was not passed, but Fiona says her campaign is just beginning. According to the Victorian…
Read More 3AW: The push to move the AFL grand final holiday to the Monday after the game

Herald Sun: Victoria pushes to become hemp state announcing “we are open for business”

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Hemp is being pushed as the next big industry in Victoria as the state parliament announces “we are open for business” with products like plastic gin and even car parts potentially to be created from the wonder fibre. By Alex White Cover 📷: Dannika Bonser   Hemp is being pushed as the next big industry…
Read More Herald Sun: Victoria pushes to become hemp state announcing “we are open for business”

ABC RN: Proposed new Victorian law to protect women from online trolls – audio

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ABC RN Drive with Jonathan Green 28.8.19 In an Australian first, a Victorian MP has introduced an anti-trolling bill in the State Parliament aimed at protecting women and vulnerable Victorians from online hate speech. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten says her bill will extend the state’s current anti-vilification laws – which relate to racial and…
Read More ABC RN: Proposed new Victorian law to protect women from online trolls – audio

GEN VIC: GEN VIC supports the Racial and Religious Tolerance Amendment Bill 2019

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Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) is proud to support the Racial and Religious Tolerance Amendment Bill 2019 as proposed by Fiona Patten, Leader of the Reason Party earlier today. The Bill serves to amend and rename the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 to extend those protections to vilification based on gender, disability, sexual orientation,…
Read More GEN VIC: GEN VIC supports the Racial and Religious Tolerance Amendment Bill 2019

10 Daily: New ‘Anti-Trolling’ Laws To Stop Online Abuse And Harassment

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“Australia-first” laws to target hate speech and trolling on social media have been introduced, but experts say law enforcement has a long way to go in catching up to harassment issues online. By Josh Butler Cover 📷: Getty   Victorian MP Fiona Patten is behind a push to update the state’s anti-vilification laws, broadening the…
Read More 10 Daily: New ‘Anti-Trolling’ Laws To Stop Online Abuse And Harassment

Herald Sun: Politician moves to protect women and vulnerable Victorians from online trolls

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Victoria’s hate speech legislation could be revised in a push to extend the state’s anti-vilification laws to protect women and transgender people from hateful online trolls. By Alex White   Women would receive special protection from online trolls under a new law proposed in Victoria. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, will introduce new legislation into the state…
Read More Herald Sun: Politician moves to protect women and vulnerable Victorians from online trolls

Spent convictions report released

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A report into a legislated spent convictions scheme for Victoria was released today by the Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee. Fiona Patten MP, the Committee Chair, spoke about the report’s findings and recommendation following its tabling in Parliament. Go to parliament.vic.gov.au/spentconvictionsinquiry to read the report.
Read More Spent convictions report released

MEDIA RELEASE: Patten launches anti-trolling Bill

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has today introduced new legislation designed to stop trolling in its tracks.   In an Australian first, the Racial and Religious Tolerance Amendment Bill 2019 will extend Victoria’s anti-vilification laws – currently only reserved to racial and religious vilification – to hate speech based on gender, as well…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Patten launches anti-trolling Bill

Fiona Patten hosts first pill testing demonstration at Parliament

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Pill Testing For Pollies at Parliament!   In an Australian first, Fiona Patten MP, Member for Northern Metro and Leader of the Reason Party, in conjunction with Harm Reduction Australia and Pill Testing Australia, will host a demonstration of Pill Testing in the Victorian Parliament. Yes – it’s Pill Testing for Pollies!    As an…
Read More Fiona Patten hosts first pill testing demonstration at Parliament

Greater Dandenong Weekly: Community input invited on problems of homelessness

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The State Government Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is inviting community members to share their views and ideas on addressing homelessness in Victoria. An online submission form has been launched to collect information from people and organisations that have experience with homelessness and want to put forward suggestions to the committee. “We are…
Read More Greater Dandenong Weekly: Community input invited on problems of homelessness

MEDIA RELEASE: Justice for victims as Pell sex abuse appeal dismissed

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Convicted sex-offender George Pell has today had his appeal dismissed by Victoria’s Court of Appeal and will continue to serve his sentence for abusing two boys after Sunday masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne. Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten said this morning she was pleased and comforted that the…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Justice for victims as Pell sex abuse appeal dismissed

3CR – Why spent convictions are such a good idea – audio

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‘Done by Law’ airs Tuesdays 6:00pm to 6:30pm. Following our chat with Fiona Patten earlier this year about her bill proposing a spent convictions scheme for Victoria, the Victorian Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee has commenced a public inquiry into a legislated spent convictions scheme for Victoria. We take another look at spent convictions…
Read More 3CR – Why spent convictions are such a good idea – audio

Nine News: Victorian Catholic clergy pressured to report child abuse confessions

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By Benjamin Ansell 📷 Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli officially replaced the retiring Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart in 2018. (AAP) Priests will be compelled to break the seal of the confessional and report admissions of child abuse under new laws being introduced in Victoria. The laws, introduced into parliament today, will force religious ministries to…
Read More Nine News: Victorian Catholic clergy pressured to report child abuse confessions

The Border Mail: Vic clergy to be compelled to report abuse

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By Georgie Moore   Priests will risk jail time if they don’t report child abuse revealed to them during the sacrament of confession, under news laws being introduced in Victoria. The bill, introduced into parliament on Wednesday, would make religious ministers mandatory reporters of abuse suspicions alongside police, teachers, medical practitioners and early childhood workers….
Read More The Border Mail: Vic clergy to be compelled to report abuse

The Age: Fiona Patten launches ‘surprise’ bid for investigation into Crown

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By Benjamin Preiss 📷: Reason Party MP Fiona Patten wants an inquiry into Crown’s gaming licence. CREDIT: WAYNE TAYLOR   Crossbench MP Fiona Patten will call for an urgent inquiry into Crown’s casino licence, arguing the state government must tackle allegations of money laundering and ties to a brothel owner. In a bold attempt to force…
Read More The Age: Fiona Patten launches ‘surprise’ bid for investigation into Crown

Herald Sun: Tottie Goldsmith backs Olivia Newton-John’s fight for medicinal cannabis to be legalised

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Tottie Goldsmith says her famous aunt, Olivia Newton John, has “never dome a drug in her life”. Now she’s desperate to take make one legal. By Luke Dennehy, news.com.au   The niece of Olivia Newton-John has come out strongly in support of the Australian icon as she fights to make medicinal cannabis more available for…
Read More Herald Sun: Tottie Goldsmith backs Olivia Newton-John’s fight for medicinal cannabis to be legalised

Sydney Morning Herald: Crossbenchers back bill to let transgender people alter birth papers

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By Benjamin Preiss Victoria wants to allow trans and intersex people to change their sex in their birth certificates. 📷 CREDIT: EDDIE JIM   Transgender Victorians look likely to be allowed to change the sex recorded on their birth certificates, with key crossbenchers declaring their support for amendments to the law. Three crossbench MPs have…
Read More Sydney Morning Herald: Crossbenchers back bill to let transgender people alter birth papers

JOY 94.9: State Parliament to debate allowing changing genders on birth certificates without surgery – audio

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        The Informer Airs Thursday at 7:00pm / Replays Wednesday night at Midnight A bill before the Victorian Parliament, the Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Bill 2019, will allow trans people to change their birth certificates without undergoing surgery. This week we talk to a number of people who will be…
Read More JOY 94.9: State Parliament to debate allowing changing genders on birth certificates without surgery – audio

ABC Central Victoria: Interview with Fiona Patten, on Vic’s voluntary assisted dying legislation

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        Interview with Fiona Patten, Reason Party MP, on Vic’s voluntary assisted dying legislation and Kerry Robertson being the first person to utilise it. Breakfast with Fiona Parker 5/8/19.   Patten sends her condolences to Jacqui and Nicole, Robertson’s daughters, and says this really shows how compassion is the driving force for…
Read More ABC Central Victoria: Interview with Fiona Patten, on Vic’s voluntary assisted dying legislation

Star Weekly: Fight continues for road works

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      By Laura Michell   A group of Greenvale residents determined to secure the duplication of Mickleham and Somerton roads, has relaunched a petition calling on the state government to act immediately. The Greenvale Residents Association’s roads subcommittee wants the government to prioritise the duplications of the roads, claiming they are currently “inadequate”….
Read More Star Weekly: Fight continues for road works

News.com.au: Neil Pharaoh: The secret our politicians are keen to keep hidden

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        Despite politicians across the world admitting to these kinds of shenanigans, our home grown versions refuse to admit any involvement. OPINION – Neil Pharaoh “When I was a kid, I inhaled, that was the point.” This marked the first political admission of drug use and it was soon followed up with…
Read More News.com.au: Neil Pharaoh: The secret our politicians are keen to keep hidden

Fiona opens the Medicinal Cannabis Conference & Workshop 2019 – video

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Presented by not-for-profit organisation Global Health Initiative, a foundation focused on medicinal cannabis education and research, this one-day conference and one-day masterclass on medicinal cannabis and treatment of mental health conditions was held in Melbourne on 20 & 21 July 2019. The conference explored the endocannabinoid system, medicinal cannabis, delivery methods, pharmacokinetics/dynamics, safety and its…
Read More Fiona opens the Medicinal Cannabis Conference & Workshop 2019 – video

The New Daily: Data reveals the richest charities in Australia – and who gets the most government handouts

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By Cait Kelly   Australia’s richest charities include some of our best universities, a Catholic education advocacy group and a foundation that runs the controversial Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation. A policy-making group for Catholic schools in Victoria leads the pack of Australia’s charity rich list, but the top 10 includes six of the nation’s leading…
Read More The New Daily: Data reveals the richest charities in Australia – and who gets the most government handouts

Time has come to legalise liquid nicotine – for safety’s sake

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, has responded to comments by Victorian Coroner Phillip Byrne, who yesterday handed down his report on the tragic death last year of an 18-month-old boy who died after consuming liquid nicotine.   “My heart goes out to the family, especially the mother,” Ms Patten said.  …
Read More Time has come to legalise liquid nicotine – for safety’s sake

Shepparton News: Spotlight on police checks

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by JAMES BENNETT Shepparton is the only regional city in Victoria to take part in a Victorian Government fact-finding mission around spent convictions.   The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee, including Wendy Lovell, Tania Maxwell and Fiona Patten, were in Shepparton on Monday speaking with local legal and multicultural representative groups. The committee could…
Read More Shepparton News: Spotlight on police checks

Herald Sun: Geelong College Youth Parliament representatives make the case for pill testing at music festivals

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A team of Geelong students say the pill-testing policy they passed in Victoria’s Youth Parliament would prevent some drug overdoses and save lives. By Magy Mekhaiel   A TEAM of Geelong students say the pill-testing policy they passed in Victoria’s Youth Parliament would prevent some drug overdoses and save lives. Geelong College Year 11 students…
Read More Herald Sun: Geelong College Youth Parliament representatives make the case for pill testing at music festivals

ABC Radio Melbourne: Fiona Patten talks about an inquiry into homelessness

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Evenings with David Astle 4/7/19 Reason Leader Fiona Patten talks about an inquiry into homelessness and the urgent need to help the 24 000 Victorians who currently do not have anywhere to call home. She discusses the many and varied reasons that people become homeless. She says housing is a vital part of looking after…
Read More ABC Radio Melbourne: Fiona Patten talks about an inquiry into homelessness

Nicotine Forum – opinion

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“Hello, I am a politician and a criminal.” The room laughed a little nervously and no doubt some in the room were muttering under their breath well aren’t they all? It was the opening of the 9th Global Forum on Nicotine and I was sharing the stage with doctors, litigation lawyers, consumer advocates and academics….
Read More Nicotine Forum – opinion

MEDIA STATEMENT: Can you Google this media statement?

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, says our modern reliance on the internet means that Google’s algorithms are essentially the gatekeeper to information in the public domain – so the tech giant needs to be accountable. “With great power comes great responsibility,” Ms Patten said. Ms Patten’s comments come as reports of…
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: Can you Google this media statement?

MEDIA RELEASE: Medically Supervised Injecting Centre award winner

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, says the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in North Richmond is very deserving of its award at the 2019 National Alcohol and Other Drugs Excellence and Innovation Awards last night. North Richmond Community Health was given the ‘Reduction of Harm Award’ for the MSIC initiative, scored by…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Medically Supervised Injecting Centre award winner

Manilla Standard: Tobacco companies begin to switch to safer nicotine products

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June 22, 2019 at 07:30 pm by Roderick T. dela Cruz   Warsaw, Poland—A former consultant of the World Health Organization expects tobacco companies to invest in safer nicotine products such as vapes or electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn sticks and snus amid rising demand from consumers. “Companies are constantly looking at where the market is going.  If you…
Read More Manilla Standard: Tobacco companies begin to switch to safer nicotine products

MEDIA RELEASE: Reason Leader Fiona Patten MP reacts to election of One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten has today given her first comments in relation to the pending return to the Senate of One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts.   “You’re f***ing kidding me right? I thought someone was having a joke with me!  Not that climate-change denying, weirdo, conspiracy theorist.   “What a dick.”…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Reason Leader Fiona Patten MP reacts to election of One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts

MEDIA RELEASE: End of life choices: used by a few but comfort for many

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Today is a momentous day as eligible Victorians now have the choice to die with dignity with Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws coming into effect. Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten was central in achieving this historic reform, and on the day she was first elected into Victoria’s Legislative Council in 2014…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: End of life choices: used by a few but comfort for many

MEDIA RELEASE: Way forward for victims of sham ‘Melbourne Response’

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP, who for decades has campaigned for the victims of child sexual abuse perpetrated by church clergy, has today congratulated the Victorian Government on adopting long held Reason Party Policy to amend the Limitation of Actions Act 1958, to allow Victorian courts to set aside past deeds of…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Way forward for victims of sham ‘Melbourne Response’

MEDIA STATEMENT: Injecting centre has managed 1,130 overdoses

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, welcomes data reported today on the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in North Richmond, which confirms the centre is working, saving lives and getting people into much-needed treatment and recovery.   Ms Patten said that the data published today showed the centre was saving lives and…
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: Injecting centre has managed 1,130 overdoses

Seymour Telegraph: Firearms prohibition orders in spotlight

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  The Legislative Council’s legal and social issues committee is examining the operation and effectiveness of firearms prohibition orders, particularly when it comes to reducing the incidence of illicit or illegally possessed firearms in Victoria. Under the inquiry’s terms of reference, the committee will be considering the Firearms Amendment Act 2018 and ways to further…
Read More Seymour Telegraph: Firearms prohibition orders in spotlight

Opinion: The election that was

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Most people started arriving at Reason’s election night party from about 7pm at the Kelvin Club in the city. We expected to be watching the ABC’s election coverage until about 8:30, at which point it would be called and we planned to stream the Eurovision semi-final for the rest of the night.   Then the…
Read More Opinion: The election that was

3AW: Inquiry into cannabis: Will it lead to legalisation?

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Mornings with Neil Mitchell, interview with Fiona Patten aired on 30/5/19. Victoria’s first inquiry into cannabis will soon be underway, after the Legislative Council voted 27 to 11 in favour of the inquiry yesterday. The inquiry will examine the state’s eight billion dollar illegal cannabis industry, assessing the health and social impacts of marijuana use…
Read More 3AW: Inquiry into cannabis: Will it lead to legalisation?

Victorian Budget a solid C: Satisfactory effort but room for improvement

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, today welcomes a solid Victorian Government budget which outlines surpluses over the forward estimates, however says it lacks ambition.   Ms Patten said she was really pleased to see investment in schools and infrastructure in the north – in a region that was often ignored by…
Read More Victorian Budget a solid C: Satisfactory effort but room for improvement

News GP: Calls to move safe-injecting room rebuffed

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By Matt Woodley Fiona Patten, the politician who helped pave the way for the Richmond safe-injecting room, has all but ruled out relocating the facility before the end of its two-year trial, despite resident concerns.   Reports of public drug use, trafficking and antisocial behaviour have plagued the safe-injecting room since the trial began in 2018, prompting local…
Read More News GP: Calls to move safe-injecting room rebuffed

The Reason Party is selling more than sex. But will voters buy it?

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University of Melbourne, Lucy Lovegrove Reason Australia, formerly the Australian Sex Party, is running a “pared-back” federal campaign, fielding just three candidates in the lower house and none in the Senate. Listing budget constraints and the overhauled Senate voting system as factors, Reason founder and Victorian MP Fiona Patten says the bare-bones campaign was a…
Read More The Reason Party is selling more than sex. But will voters buy it?

JUNKEE: Melbourne’s Queer Community Calls For Justice After Police Wrongfully Raid LGBTIQ Bookstore

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by SAM LANGFORD   Melbourne’s LGBTIQ community is demanding justice for an innocent man who was seriously injured when police wrongfully raided beloved queer bookstore Hares & Hyenas on the weekend.   Content warning: this post contains descriptions of home invasions and violent injury.    Around 2am on Saturday morning, police broke in through a garage to raid…
Read More JUNKEE: Melbourne’s Queer Community Calls For Justice After Police Wrongfully Raid LGBTIQ Bookstore

MEDIA RELEASE: Horrific Fitzroy incident policing gone wrong

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, said a horrific incident in Fitzroy at the weekend was an example of policing gone wrong and must be independently investigated from Victoria Police. This comes after an incident at about 2am on Saturday, where heavily armed police officers mistakenly stormed an apartment attached to gay…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Horrific Fitzroy incident policing gone wrong

the cannabis co: THIS AUSTRALIAN SEX WORKER GOT ELECTED TO PARLIAMENT AND IS LEGALISING WEED

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Fiona Patten is a divisive figure – a former sex worker and fashion designer who went from adult industry lobbyist to Australian MP for the Reason Party. Whether you agree with her values or not, it’s impossible to deny that she’s made a big splash. Having been elected to the Parliament of Victoria in November 2018…
Read More the cannabis co: THIS AUSTRALIAN SEX WORKER GOT ELECTED TO PARLIAMENT AND IS LEGALISING WEED

The New Daily: Where is Australia at with legalising cannabis?

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By Samantha Dick   In Australia, it is illegal to buy and use cannabis simply to ‘get high’. However, some people with medical conditions, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, can be prescribed medicinal cannabis by a doctor as a way to help relieve their symptoms. Some people suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses have even found that…
Read More The New Daily: Where is Australia at with legalising cannabis?

MEDIA RELEASE: Reason secures Spent Conviction Scheme for Victoria

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten MP, has today secured a Spent Convictions Scheme for Victoria. After Ms Patten introduced a Spent Convictions Bill earlier this year, ongoing negotiations with the Andrews Government today led to a Government Referral that will make a spent convictions scheme a reality. The motion put by…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Reason secures Spent Conviction Scheme for Victoria

MEDIA ALERT: How to remove draconian, dinosaur behaviour from Parliament

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, will join the National Secular Lobby (NSL) and like-minded politicians to ensure secular freedom is on top of the agenda at the Federal Election.   Ms Patten will be speaking about the importance of the separation of church and state and how we can do better,…
Read More MEDIA ALERT: How to remove draconian, dinosaur behaviour from Parliament

3AW: Fiona Patten questions a taxpayer “handout” to the Catholic Church to rebuild Notre Dame – audio

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Mornings with Tony Jones Reason leader Fiona Patten MP questions former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s calls that the Australian Government should donate to the Notre Dame Restoration fund after the historic French site caught fire overnight. Click PLAY below to listen.  
Read More 3AW: Fiona Patten questions a taxpayer “handout” to the Catholic Church to rebuild Notre Dame – audio

MEDIA STATEMENT: Don’t give the Catholics another handout

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, has lambasted calls by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that the Australian Government should donate to the Notre Dame Restoration fund after the historic French site caught fire overnight.   Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten agreed to the proposal on ABC radio this morning.  …
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: Don’t give the Catholics another handout

THE AUSTRALIAN: Euthanasia protest prompts exclusion zone discussion

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By Remy Varga 📷 by: Aaron Francis   The Victorian Labor government is considering setting up exclusion zones around medical centres that offer euthanasia, similar to the ones in place around abortion clinics, after cancer patients and their families were targeted by protesters. A group led by former Catholic priest Eugene Ahern have returned this morning…
Read More THE AUSTRALIAN: Euthanasia protest prompts exclusion zone discussion

ABC: Patients, staff accosted by pro-life campaigners outside Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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By state political reporter Richard Willingham   Cancer patients, their families and medical staff have been harassed by anti-euthanasia protesters as they enter Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for treatment.   A small band of protesters recently handed pamphlets to patients and staff, attacking the centre for preparing for voluntary assisted dying laws that come into…
Read More ABC: Patients, staff accosted by pro-life campaigners outside Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

MEDIA RELEASE: Safe Access Zones High Court Decision a Victory for Women and Decency

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The High Court has today deemed valid laws to protect women and their families, as well as staff, at clinics and hospitals that provide termination services in Victoria and Tasmania.   “The long-fought battle to protect women from anti-abortion protestors is finally over,“ Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten said.   The…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Safe Access Zones High Court Decision a Victory for Women and Decency

THE AGE: Cancer patients at Peter Mac harassed by anti-euthanasia protesters

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By Melissa Cunningham   Distressed cancer patients and staff have been harassed by anti-assisted dying protesters who handed them pamphlets describing voluntary euthanasia as “patient killing by doctors”. A group of protesters lobbied outside the hospital’s Grattan Street entrance last week and distributed flyers purporting to be from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.   Headlines on…
Read More THE AGE: Cancer patients at Peter Mac harassed by anti-euthanasia protesters

MEDIA RELEASE: Peter Mac Cancer Centre staff, patients, families harassed and verbally abused

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, is horrified by a group of people harassing staff, cancer patients and their families outside Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.   This comes just months before Victorians with a terminal illness will be able to request an assisted death if they meet certain criteria, when…
Read More MEDIA RELEASE: Peter Mac Cancer Centre staff, patients, families harassed and verbally abused

ABC Radio Melbourne: Fiona Patten reveals “appalling” flyers being given to terminally ill patients

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Reason leader Fiona Patten reveals that patients and staff of Peter McCallum Cancer Centre have been subjected to fear-mongering and misleading flyers over upcoming Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation being introduced.   “You have the right to free speech but not to a free audience.” @FionaPattenMLC on #Mornings now, following this flyer being handed to individuals…
Read More ABC Radio Melbourne: Fiona Patten reveals “appalling” flyers being given to terminally ill patients

STAR WEEKLY: National Nightmare Commute Day: Going nowhere fast on High Street

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BY LAURA MICHELL   Star Weekly joined Whittlesea council as it attempted to drive a bus from Wollert to Melbourne’s CBD last week for National Nightmare Commute Day. Here’s what happened.   The 24-kilometre journey from Wollert to Melbourne’s CBD, via High Street and St Georges Road, should take 55 minutes. But the daily reality for…
Read More STAR WEEKLY: National Nightmare Commute Day: Going nowhere fast on High Street

Incident shows need for further reform, as MSIC continues to save lives

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan, Fiona Patten, says reports in the News Limited tabloid press today of an incident near the Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) back in February are politically motivated and in fact show the overwhelming need for the centre to continue the work of saving lives.   An employee…
Read More Incident shows need for further reform, as MSIC continues to save lives

Call for safety crackdown as 20 children a week taken to hospital

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, is calling on a safety crackdown on products that contain button batteries, following the tragic death of a toddler at Sunshine Hospital.   Ms Patten said urgent funds must be released for an education campaign and for the Federal Government to adopt the ACCC’s recommendations on…
Read More Call for safety crackdown as 20 children a week taken to hospital

Domain: Questions raised over churches’ ability to become property developers without paying tax

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By Tawar Razaghi   An array of Sydney churches have been accused of exploiting loopholes to become pseudo-property developers and keep their tax-free status, prompting renewed calls to examine whether religious organisations should retain such exemptions. Opponents pointed to four developments across the city as examples why further examination of churches’ ability to pay no tax…
Read More Domain: Questions raised over churches’ ability to become property developers without paying tax

MEDIA STATEMENT: Federal Govt. must establish election campaign spending caps

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, says the way to address the influence of money on elections is to cap the amount that can be spent on them.   “It’s that simple,” Ms Patten said this morning.   This comes as reports about the Australian Hotels Association imposing a special one-off levy…
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: Federal Govt. must establish election campaign spending caps

MEDIA STATEMENT: road laws for medicinal cannabis

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, today took the first step to amend our road laws, so that medicinal cannabis is treated the same as every other prescription medication.   Ms Patten today sought to amend the Transport Legislation Amendment (Better Roads Victoria and Other Amendments) Bill 2018, to include new driving laws for…
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: road laws for medicinal cannabis

The Australian: Victorian MP Bernie Finn’s refusal to stand for indigenous acknowledgment ‘petty’

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By RACHEL BAXENDALE, VICTORIAN POLITICAL REPORTER Cover 📷: Getty Images   Victorian Labor frontbencher Martin Pakula says Liberal backbencher Bernie Finn’s decision to refuse to stand for an acknowledgment of indigenous Australians at the daily opening of state parliament is “the type of ridiculous pettiness he’s been associated with for most of his political career”. Mr Finn’s…
Read More The Australian: Victorian MP Bernie Finn’s refusal to stand for indigenous acknowledgment ‘petty’

ABC: Call for multi-faith ceremony to replace Lord’s Prayer during opening of Victorian Parliament

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By state political reporter Richard Willingham Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged opening Parliament with a multi-faith ceremony instead of the Lord’s Prayer.   Religions observed by state MPs include Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. At the start of every day, the Speaker and President lead the Lord’s Prayer in the Upper House and Lower…
Read More ABC: Call for multi-faith ceremony to replace Lord’s Prayer during opening of Victorian Parliament

Victorian parliament to consider axing Lord’s Prayer

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By RACHEL BAXENDALE, VICTORIAN POLITICAL REPORTER 📷 CREDIT: TIM CARRAFA   Daniel Andrews says a “multi-faith moment at the beginning of the parliamentary day” may offer a better reflection of modern, multicultural Victoria than the Lord’s Prayer, backing a move by his Special Minister of State to consider scrapping the century-old tradition or add prayers from…
Read More Victorian parliament to consider axing Lord’s Prayer

Religion in Parliament: It’s like a prayer, but Bernie won’t stand for it

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By Noel Towell and Adam Carey 📷 by Joe Armao   Religion and politics, often a volatile mix, have feelings running high again in State Parliament this week. Conservative members of the upper house have been refusing to stand for the Acknowledgment of Country at the opening of the house’s sessions, while calls are gaining momentum to drop…
Read More Religion in Parliament: It’s like a prayer, but Bernie won’t stand for it

“An optimistic person” – Fiona Patten on Pell’s appeal

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By Paul Sakkal 📷: Cardinal George Pell outside the Melbourne County Court. CREDIT: JASON SOUTH   Fiona Patten, Victorian MP for the Reason Party, said she didn’t believe Mr Pell’s appeal will be successful, because she was “an optimistic person”. Ms Patten said the Court of Appeal would need to prove the jury was unreasonable in finding Pell guilty,…
Read More “An optimistic person” – Fiona Patten on Pell’s appeal

“Tipping Point” for Catholic Church

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By Remy Varga 📷: George Pell (centre) has been sentenced to six years’ jail on child sex abuse offences. Judge Peter Kidd (top right) handed down the sentence today as a victim of sex abuse (top left), media (bottom left) and victim support group members (bottom right) watched on from outside the court.   Reason Party…
Read More “Tipping Point” for Catholic Church

MEDIA STATEMENT: Cardinal George Pell sentencing

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Reason Leader and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, is calling for the Government’s support to create greater transparency within the Catholic Church – both socially and financially.   Ms Patten said she was committed to removing the confessional seal to make reporting of child sex abuse mandatory, as well as putting a stop to tax avoidance…
Read More MEDIA STATEMENT: Cardinal George Pell sentencing

Opinion: Cardinal George Pell

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George Pell has a special place in the hearts of the Australian sex industry. It’s a dark place that he shares with other morals campaigners who have seen an opportunity to try and assuage their own guilt over child sex abuse by accusing people who work in the sex industry of the crimes they were…
Read More Opinion: Cardinal George Pell

Call to improve child sex abuse redress scheme

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By Rachel Baxendale – Victorian Political Reporter – THE AUSTRALIAN Cover 📷: Sarah Matray   Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy has called on the federal government to put more resources into processing applications for child sex abuse redress, following revelations just a third of Victorian survivors who applied last year had been offered access to the scheme. Ms…
Read More Call to improve child sex abuse redress scheme

Notice of Motion

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MS PATTEN — to move — that 1. this House notes that the current prohibition model in relation to cannabis products is failing; 2. a select Committee of seven Members be appointed to inquire into, consider and report, no later than Monday, 2 March 2020, on the legalisation and regulation of adult use cannabis products,…
Read More Notice of Motion

Fiona Patten MP backs the AFLPA on drugs

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Reason Leader Fiona Patten MP is supporting the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) in the wake of controversy over the league’s illicit drug policy.   This week, ex-St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt told SEN Radio that drug use within the AFL was “out of control” and that players should be suspended after one positive test to illicit…
Read More Fiona Patten MP backs the AFLPA on drugs

LETTER: Pell should be excommunicated

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AUSTRALIA’S most senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell should be excommunicated from the Catholic Church immediately. Pell was found guilty in the Victorian County Court of sexually abusing two choirboys while he was Archbishop of Melbourne in 1996. The decision finally brought justice to Pell’s victims and those tragically caught up in the church’s atrocities….
Read More LETTER: Pell should be excommunicated

Cardinal sin

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Reason Leader Fiona Patten MP is today calling on Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric, Cardinal George Pell, to be excommunicated from the Catholic Church – immediately. This comes as the Victorian County Court found Pell guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys while he was the archbishop of Melbourne in 1996. Ms Patten said the decision finally…
Read More Cardinal sin

Fiona Patten says Government must extend Medically Supervised Injecting Centre hours – audio

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3AW Sunday Morning, hosted by Nick McCallum, Darren James and Heidi Murphy, aired on 25/2/19 Reason leader Fiona Patten talks to Nick McCallum, Heidi Murphy and Darren James about the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in North Richmond and the measures that the Victorian Government and local council need to take to ensure the trial’s success….
Read More Fiona Patten says Government must extend Medically Supervised Injecting Centre hours – audio

Fiona Patten calls for injecting room hours of operation to be extended – audio

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3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell, aired on 22/2/19 Reason leader Fiona Patten has suggested improvements be made to the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) trial in North Richmond as the Herald Sun releases new figures from Ambulance Victoria which points to callouts in Yarra for overdoses only receiving a modest decrease. Click PLAY below to…
Read More Fiona Patten calls for injecting room hours of operation to be extended – audio

Medically Supervised Injecting Centre works – but Government must extend operating hours

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Friday February 22, 2019   Reason Leader Fiona Patten MP is urging the Andrews Government to extend the operating hours of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in North Richmond, in light of ambulance data reported today. The data, which shows ambulance call outs for North Richmond, revealed the number of callouts halved when the injecting…
Read More Medically Supervised Injecting Centre works – but Government must extend operating hours

Vic Bar declares stance on spent convictions legislation

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By Emma Ryan, Editor, Lawyers Weekly   The Victorian Bar has responded to recent parliamentary debate concerning the adoption of legislation around spent convictions in the state.   Calls for the adoption and implementation of legislation around spent convictions has made headlines in parliament recently, with Reason Party MP Fiona Patten introducing a Spent Convictions Bill last…
Read More Vic Bar declares stance on spent convictions legislation

Notice of Motion – e-petitions

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MS PATTEN — To move — That this House — (1)   notes — (a)   that despite the introduction of e-petitions in the Legislative Council in 2017, there is no obligation for the Parliament to do anything once an e-petition has been tabled; (b)   the benefits of improving community engagement with the political process; (2)   requires…
Read More Notice of Motion – e-petitions

Open Minds J-AIR 87.8FM – audio

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Open minds is a chat show hosted by Bernard Korbman and Dominic Carter on J-AIR, a Jewish Community Radio station based in Melbourne. In this episode, Fiona talks to Bernard and Dominic about everything from drugs to Facebook, Auntie Jess, and nuns getting along with sex workers.   Click PLAY below to hear the details.
Read More Open Minds J-AIR 87.8FM – audio

Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten calls for Lord’s Prayer to be scrapped in Parliament

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Mornings with Neil Mitchell Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten has called for the Lord’s Prayer to be scrapped from parliament. “I think we should be looking for an alternative to it,” she told Neil Mitchell. “I don’t know any other workplaces that start with a prayer in the morning.   “In a secular…
Read More Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten calls for Lord’s Prayer to be scrapped in Parliament

Pill testing debate on to the steps of Spring Street, thanks to the Reason Party’s Fiona Patten – audio

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Breakfast with Jacinta Parsons and Sami Shah, aired 21/1/19   The Reason Party’s Fiona Patten isn’t one to mince words when it comes to pill testing in Victoria. “The ‘Just Say No’ approach is futile.” She joined ABC Melbourne’s Breakfast team to discuss why Victoria’s diverse Upper House crossbench is standing together to show support…
Read More Pill testing debate on to the steps of Spring Street, thanks to the Reason Party’s Fiona Patten – audio

Chorus for pill testing grows – The World Today ABC RN – audio

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Hosted by Eleanor Hall, report by Caroline Winter. Featuring Cate Faehrmann, Fiona Patten, Victorian Reason Party.   There’s a growing chorus, calling for the introduction of pill testing at music festivals. One state MP is so frustrated that it hasn’t been brought in, she’s opened up about taking drugs, to encourage politicians to be more…
Read More Chorus for pill testing grows – The World Today ABC RN – audio

Pill testing trial calls from council, group of crossbench MPs pressure Andrews Government to act

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By John Masanauskas and Matt Johnston   An inner city council wants to run ­Victoria’s first pill testing at music festivals as a powerful group of state MPs pushes for a trial and builds pressure on the Andrews Government.   The City of Port Phillip is pushing to host Victoria’s first trial after the drug…
Read More Pill testing trial calls from council, group of crossbench MPs pressure Andrews Government to act

Victorian crossbench joins forces to demand Premier to allow pill testing trial

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Media Release   Reason Party Leader and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten will be joined by the majority of new crossbench members of the Legislative Council, as well as health experts, calling on the Andrews Government to approve a crucial pill testing trial which will save lives.   Ms Patten will form a united front…
Read More Victorian crossbench joins forces to demand Premier to allow pill testing trial

Crossbench to use numbers to pressure Victorian Government to introduce pill testing

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By state political reporter Richard Willingham Victoria’s diverse Upper House crossbench is demanding the Andrews Government undertake a trial of pill testing, and are vowing to make the issue a key matter in the Parliament. Victoria’s diverse Upper House crossbench is demanding the Andrews Government undertake a trial of pill testing, and are vowing to make…
Read More Crossbench to use numbers to pressure Victorian Government to introduce pill testing

“Mr Premier, listen to the voices of young people” – Fiona Patten MP speaks at pill testing campaign launch

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Cover 📷: David Peake Leader of the Reason Party and member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten, spoke in full support of the new youth-led campaign for pill testing, #BeHeardNotHarmed. She called on the Premier, Daniel Andrews to listen to the voices of young people. “It is their peers, it is their friends that are dying,…
Read More “Mr Premier, listen to the voices of young people” – Fiona Patten MP speaks at pill testing campaign launch

Di Natale Slams “Wilful Ignorance” Of Pill Testing At Student Campaign Launch

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By David Adams Cover 📷: James Ross / AAP Images   Greens leader Richard Di Natale has slammed the Victorian and New South Wales state governments over their refusal to permit pill testing trials at festivals, saying “wilful ignorance” around the harm reduction measure may contribute to the deaths of more young Australians. Speaking at the Melbourne launch of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s (SSDP) Be Heard Not Harmed campaign,…
Read More Di Natale Slams “Wilful Ignorance” Of Pill Testing At Student Campaign Launch

Aussie festival body says governments’ no-drugs strategies are ‘risking lives’

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By Broede Carmody Cover 📷: James Alcock   The refusal to adopt nationwide pill-testing trials is “needlessly endangering lives”, according to the peak body for Australian music festivals. The Australian Festival Association – which represents major events including Splendour in the Grass, Falls, Groovin The Moo and Harbourlife – has published an open letter calling for state and territory governments…
Read More Aussie festival body says governments’ no-drugs strategies are ‘risking lives’

Man critical after overdose at Melbourne music festival as Victoria shuns pill testing

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 By Chloe Booker A man is fighting for his life after a drug overdose at a Melbourne music festival as calls for pill testing intensify. The man is one of two revellers who have been rushed to hospital from the Beyond The Valley festival at Lardner south-east of Melbourne. The man, aged in his 20s,…
Read More Man critical after overdose at Melbourne music festival as Victoria shuns pill testing

Fiona Patten: Continuing to refuse to allow pill testing at festivals is “immoral”

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Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten says continuing to say ‘no’ to pill testing is “immoral”. It comes after Falls Festival revellers received an urgent text message following a death at a music festival in New South Wales. “To hear the NSW Premier say that she was devastated that another young person has died…
Read More Fiona Patten: Continuing to refuse to allow pill testing at festivals is “immoral”

Day one of Parliament – Reason Party introduces adult use cannabis bill

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Re-elected Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has wasted no time in setting the legislative agenda for the 59thParliament.   Before a single new member will have made their inaugural speech, Ms Patten will introduce a Bill to legalise cannabis in Victoria.   The legislation, called the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Cannabis…
Read More Day one of Parliament – Reason Party introduces adult use cannabis bill

‘It has been a disaster’: Fiona Patten won’t support Hinch’s public sex offender’s register

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Re-elected Upper House MP Fiona Patten says she will not support Derryn Hinch’s proposed public sex offender’s register legislation in the Victorian Parliament. Hinch’s Justice Party has three seats in the Upper House, making them a powerful player in legislative decisions over the next four years. Ms Patten told Neil Mitchell she will not support…
Read More ‘It has been a disaster’: Fiona Patten won’t support Hinch’s public sex offender’s register

Minor parties promise to hold Labor to account on colourful crossbench

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By Adam Carey & Benjamin Preiss Cover 📷: CHRIS HOPKINS   The Andrews government will need to negotiate with a potentially unwieldy crossbench of 11 minor party MPs to get its legislation through the upper house. Labor fell short of a majority in the upper house despite its thumping election win last month, winning 18 of 40 seats…
Read More Minor parties promise to hold Labor to account on colourful crossbench

Victorian election Upper House calculation results confirm Labor, crossbench domination

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By state political reporters Richard Willingam and Stephanie Anderson Cover 📷 AAP: Joe Castro   Daniel Andrews’ dominance of Victorian politics continues, landing 18 of 40 Upper House seats, with enough progressive parties winning spots on the crossbench to potentially provide an avenue for any controversial legislation.   Final calculations for the Upper House have been released by the…
Read More Victorian election Upper House calculation results confirm Labor, crossbench domination

Fiona Patten wins back upper house seat after nervous two-week wait

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By Benjamin Priess. Cover 📷: CHRIS HOPKINS   Loud cheers broke the silence at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds as Fiona Patten’s re-election to the Victorian Parliament’s upper house was confirmed. She had faced a nervous wait before the results were finally confirmed on Tuesday afternoon – more than two weeks after election day.     The…
Read More Fiona Patten wins back upper house seat after nervous two-week wait

Balancing the Books, Patten Style

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Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has today released her Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) Pre-election Report – demonstrating that she can achieve meaningful social change and balance the books at the same time. “At Reason, we are socially progressive, but also economically prudent.” Said Ms Patten. Ms Patten’s policies, which include treating personal…
Read More Balancing the Books, Patten Style

$55 Million – The Price of False Charity

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Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has today released her costed policy, putting a figure on the scale of tax avoidance being perpetrated by religious run businesses in Victoria. Ms Patten plans to crack down on for-profit businesses that take advantage of charitable tax exemptions despite not conducting objectively charitable works – and…
Read More $55 Million – The Price of False Charity

Patten promises bill to legalise cannabis

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By Monique Hore, state political reporter Reason Party leader Fiona Patten has promised a radical Bill to legalise cannabis within a year, if re-elected on ­Saturday.   The Legislative Council crossbencher was vital to establishing the state’s first drug- injecting centre in North Richmond, along with a voluntary euthanasia scheme. “I will now turn my attention…
Read More Patten promises bill to legalise cannabis

Preference reform urgent, MP says

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By Rachel Baxendale, Victorian Political Reporter and Samantha Hutchinson, Victorian Political Writer – THE AUSTRALIAN   Victorian upper house MP Fiona Patten has called for urgent reform of the state’s preferential voting system for the Legislative Council, taking aim at “preference whisperer” Glenn Druery. Mr Druery, who is chief of staff to federal senator Derryn Hinch, takes…
Read More Preference reform urgent, MP says

YES WE CANnabis

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Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten MP has today revealed her plan to make cannabis legal for recreational purposes in Victoria. “If elected again by the people of Northern Metro, I promise to bring forward legislation within my first 12 months that will pave the way to make Victoria the first state in Australia…
Read More YES WE CANnabis

Reason Party plans to legalise cannabis in Victoria within two years if elected

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By state political reporter Richard Willingham 📷: Sharon McCutcheon Buying and smoking cannabis would be legal in Victoria within the next two years under an ambitious new policy pitch from the Reason Party.   The plan would boost the state’s coffers by $204 million, according to Victoria’s Parliamentary Budget Office, by reducing the costs of policing…
Read More Reason Party plans to legalise cannabis in Victoria within two years if elected

A Reason to stay connected

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The leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has announced plans to introduce WiFi on all Victoria public transport as part of a set of policies aiming to regain Melbourne’s status as the worlds most liveable city. “This is about enabling the public to stay connected during their commutes. Every bus, every train, every…
Read More A Reason to stay connected

Being smart on crime will save Victoria $216m

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Fiona Patten’s Reason Party candidate for South Eastern Metro, Laura Chipp, has released the party’s Modern Criminal Justice policy today, which will reduce re-offending and save Victoria $216m. The centerpiece of the policy, costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), is to adopt Spain’s Diagrama youth re-education model which is a proven success. “This is…
Read More Being smart on crime will save Victoria $216m

Hinch says preference whisperer may have worked against him

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By Royce Millar & Ben Schneiders Cover 📷: AAP   Senator Derryn Hinch has acknowledged his own adviser, self-styled “preference whisperer” Glenn Druery, may have worked against the interests of his Justice Party in the build-up to next week’s state election. Mr Druery has worked with a slew of micro-parties to organise cash-for-votes deals that could see…
Read More Hinch says preference whisperer may have worked against him

10Daily: The ‘Reason’ Sex Work Should Be Decriminalised In Australia

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By Josh Butler, 10 daily Senior News Reporter It came with a tongue-in-cheek joke about stiff necks versus stiffies, but the Victorian state election has opened up new discussion about how Australia outlaws sex work.   The Reason Party, formerly known as the Sex Party, this week released its policy on ‘sex and censorship’. Included…
Read More 10Daily: The ‘Reason’ Sex Work Should Be Decriminalised In Australia

Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten’s whirlwind pre-poll tour

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Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten will be heading to several pre-poll booths across Melbourne on Saturday. Ms Patten will be supporting her Reason Party candidates for the 2018 Victorian Election, as well as meeting with community members as they cast their votes. Fiona Patten’s polling booth schedule for Saturday 17 November  9 – 9:30am: South…
Read More Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten’s whirlwind pre-poll tour

My responses to the Australian Christian Lobby candidate survey

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In the weeks prior to an Election we receive possibly hundreds of requests from various organisations to complete surveys on how our election platform intersects with their policies. This year we received one such survey from the Australian Christian Lobby and I thought I might share their questions and my responses:   Public Christianity Equal…
Read More My responses to the Australian Christian Lobby candidate survey

Is there an Epidemic of Stiff Necks in Victoria Or Just Stiffies?!

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The leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has today questioned whether there is an unusual epidemic of neck injury in Melbourne, or whether the incredible proliferation of Massage Parlors across our suburbs is symptomatic of something else? In releasing her costed policy on Sex and Censorship today, Ms Patten said “With unregulated sexual services being provided…
Read More Is there an Epidemic of Stiff Necks in Victoria Or Just Stiffies?!

Victorian state election 2018: Reason Party’s plan to trial a four-day work week in Victoria

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MONIQUE HORE, STATE POLITICAL REPORTER, Herald Sun 📷: Reason Party leader Fiona Patten will announce the policy today. Picture: Jake Nowakowski   THE work week would be cut to four days for some state government bureaucrats, under a radical plan by the Reason Party. Leader Fiona Patten will today call for a year-long trial of…
Read More Victorian state election 2018: Reason Party’s plan to trial a four-day work week in Victoria

Outer suburban liveability targeted by minor party

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By Rebecca McDonald     Wyndham’s fast growing population could be slowed under a policy revealed by a Victorian minor party. The Reason Party has outlined its policy it says is dedicated to outer suburban liveability, in areas including Werribee. Leader Fiona Patten met with the Interface Councils, which takes in Melbourne’s outer suburban councils, to…
Read More Outer suburban liveability targeted by minor party

Sick of the Monday Blues? Fiona Patten MP plans to introduce Four Day Work Week!

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Leader of the Reason Party, Fiona Patten MP, has today announced her innovative plan for a four day work week in Victoria. “It is an idea that has been trialed overseas with resounding success and should be tested here” Ms Patten said. New Zealand company Perpetual Guardian’s trial of a four-day working showed that employees…
Read More Sick of the Monday Blues? Fiona Patten MP plans to introduce Four Day Work Week!

Reason v socialism in Victorian election: Fiona Patten gears up for a fight

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The leader of the former Sex party fears a challenge from the left could deliver her upper house seat to conservatives By Luke Henriques-Gomes Cover 📷: Meredith O’Shea for the Guardian   One day in 2017, Fiona Patten took the biggest risk of her political career. Three years into her first term in the Victorian parliament, it…
Read More Reason v socialism in Victorian election: Fiona Patten gears up for a fight

Remand prison for Dandenong

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells Cover 📷: Opposition corrections spokesman Edward O”Donohue, second left, with Liberal candidates Susan Serey (Narre Warren South), Vikki Fitzgerald (Narre Warren North) and Maree Davenport (Mulgrave).   Dandenong could be home to a 300-bed jail, under a proposal by the Liberal Nationals state coalition. If elected to Government, the Coalition will provide…
Read More Remand prison for Dandenong

Loneliness study finds one in five Australians rarely or never have someone to talk to

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Research finds 27.6% of people say they feel lonely at least three days every week By Melissa Davey 📷: Paul Braven/AAP   More than one-fifth of Australians rarely or never feel they have someone to talk to or turn to for help, and more than one quarter feel lonely for at least three days every week,…
Read More Loneliness study finds one in five Australians rarely or never have someone to talk to

Richmond ‘challenging’ for Labor

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By state political reporters Richard Willingham and Stephanie Anderson 📷: Stephanie Anderson   Of the four inner-city Labor-Greens contests, Richmond was considered Labor’s best chance of defeating the minor party. Mr Wynne has been the member for Richmond since 1999 has a high profile in the seat. Some in Labor said the party had been preparing for some…
Read More Richmond ‘challenging’ for Labor

‘What am I doing wrong?’: one in four Australians is lonely

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By Miki Perkins 📷 by Justin McManus   Unlike many people, Ryan Hubbard feels comfortable admitting there are times in his life when he has been painfully lonely. Loneliness is not unusual, and it’s not a personal failing, he says. “But people often wonder what they’re doing wrong, or why people don’t like them.” Mr Hubbard has lived…
Read More ‘What am I doing wrong?’: one in four Australians is lonely

It’s Time to Pill Test…and to Party!

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Fiona Patten MP, Leader of the Reason Party is calling for pill testing trials in Victoria. Fiona Patten’s policy for 18 month trial of front of house pill testing in Victoria would cost $400,000 according to costings provided by the Parliamentary Budgets Office. “If the trial only saves one person from serious injury, this policy…
Read More It’s Time to Pill Test…and to Party!

Will Glenn Druery conjure up another right-wing micro-party sweep in Victoria?

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Crikey examines micro-party machinations for clues about possible Victorian election preference deals. By Stephen Mayne Cover 📷: ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY PRESIDENT BRUCE POON PROTESTS JUMPS RACING IN 2011.   Nominations for party candidates ahead of the November 24 Victorian election closed at noon today and independents have another 24 hours before we’ll see the full list of…
Read More Will Glenn Druery conjure up another right-wing micro-party sweep in Victoria?

Decriminalising Drugs In Victoria – Costed Plan Will Save Lives And Save $168 Million

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. The costings provided by the Parliamentary Budget Office, show direct savings to the state budget of $168 million over the forward estimates. Ms Patten said “We are banging our heads against the wall, if we think we can arrest our way out this problem, but by shifting the focus to treatment improves outcomes across…
Read More Decriminalising Drugs In Victoria – Costed Plan Will Save Lives And Save $168 Million

Preference whisperer Glenn Druery faces police probe

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By Royce Millar, Ben Schneiders & Benjamin Preiss Cover 📷: Glenn Druery appeared before the Senate voting reform committee at Parliament House in Canberra 2016 CREDIT: ANDREW MEARES   Self-styled preference whisperer Glenn Druery faces a potential criminal investigation as police consider a complaint about his cash-for-votes operation ahead of this month’s state election. As The Age revealed last month, Reason Party…
Read More Preference whisperer Glenn Druery faces police probe

Tax benefits of legalising cannabis

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  According to figures requested by the Reason Party, legalising cannabis and personal drug use would generate millions of dollars in tax revenue and benefit an overwrought legal system. By Alex McKinnon.     On October 17, government-approved retail outlets in Canada began stocking cannabis for legal recreational consumption. It’s proved a profitable move for the…
Read More Tax benefits of legalising cannabis

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten, independent Darryn Lyons back Fall Festival pill testing, State Government says no

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Harrison Tippet, Geelong Advertiser VICTORIA’S first pill testing trial should be held at Falls Festival in Lorne this year, a state upper house MP and Geelong candidate says. Reason Party leader Fiona Patten said providing Falls Festival punters with the opportunity to test their drugs while at the event would help save lives. “I would…
Read More Reason Party leader Fiona Patten, independent Darryn Lyons back Fall Festival pill testing, State Government says no

These Politicians Are Throwing A Pro-Pill Testing Rave in Melbourne

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They expect and accept you’ll probably get on the gear.   If there’s one way to get young, drug-loving Australian voters on side, it’s throwing them a rave. Fiona Patten, leader of the Reason Party—formally known as the Sex Party—knows this. She’s putting on a five-hour house and techno rave in Melbourne next month to…
Read More These Politicians Are Throwing A Pro-Pill Testing Rave in Melbourne

‘Loneliness minister’ proposed to tackle Australian social isolation

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By Calla Wahlquist. Cover Photograph: Chris Hopkins for the Guardian.       Victoria MP says entrenched loneliness is so serious it requires government intervention. Australia is becoming an increasingly lonely place, so much so that one party is turning it into an election issue. Social isolation affects one in 10 Australians, while one in six…
Read More ‘Loneliness minister’ proposed to tackle Australian social isolation

Sex, Drugs and the Electoral Roll review: Fiona Patten and the right to speak

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  By Pat Sheil   MEMOIR Sex, Drugs and the Electoral Roll Fiona Patten Allen & Unwin, $32.99 “I am an advocate for free speech, but not of a free audience.” So declared Fiona Patten, former sex worker, anti-censorship lobbyist, and founder of the Australian Sex Party during the heated debate on restricting the ability of…
Read More Sex, Drugs and the Electoral Roll review: Fiona Patten and the right to speak

It’s Ok to be Red

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Fiona Patten MP, Leader of the Reason Party has today called on One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson to join her in a new campaign to stop anti-redhead hate speech.   “For the last few days, everywhere I go all I have heard is people saying ‘Did you hear what that redhead moron did now?’ and…
Read More It’s Ok to be Red

Reason can save lives and money

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On World Mental Health Day (10.10.18), Fiona Patten MP, Leader of the Reason Party and Member for Northern Metro has announced her ambitious plan for Mental Health reform in Victoria.   “This is life and death. Victorians  are dying as a consequence of poor policy.” said Ms Patten.   Ms Patten’s plan to invest an…
Read More Reason can save lives and money

‘I know a lot about dicks’ – Australian politician’s joke video rejected by Snapchat

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The social media platform may be known for lewd photo swapping, but a risqué joke by Victorian politician Fiona Patten has proved too much. Source: www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news   Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten launched a video ad, in which she talks about knowing a lot about “dicks” but although the audio was bleeped out and the subtitle…
Read More ‘I know a lot about dicks’ – Australian politician’s joke video rejected by Snapchat

Victoria needs a Minister for Loneliness

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Fiona Patten MP, Leader of the Reason Party is calling for a Minister for Loneliness to be instated in Victoria Government. Loneliness is growing in Australia. In 2016, 82.5% of people admitted to feeling lonely. [1] The average number of close friends Australians have has almost halved in 13 years, from 6.4 close friends to just…
Read More Victoria needs a Minister for Loneliness

Mandatory sentencing isn’t tough on crime, it’s stupid.

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Today Victorian Upper House will debate the Justice Legislation Miscellaneous Amendment Bill 2018 which introduces a mandatory sentencing regime.   Fiona Patten MP, Leader of the Reason Party and member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, is deeply concerned by the proposed changes. Ms Patten said “Our frontline workers place themselves in harm’s way to save…
Read More Mandatory sentencing isn’t tough on crime, it’s stupid.

‘It’s saving lives’: community rallies to support Melbourne’s drug-injecting room

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With 140 people treated for overdoses in three months, the room has been hailed a success. But a change of government could see the trial scuppered in an instant.   At Melbourne’s first-ever safe-injecting room, people who come here to use heroin sometimes accidentally drop their stash into the large bin that sits against the…
Read More ‘It’s saving lives’: community rallies to support Melbourne’s drug-injecting room

Reason candidate Laura Chipp takes a different tack on youth crime

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By Benjamin Preiss Photo: Jason South Laura Chipp believes she has some inside knowledge that’ll give her an edge in an election campaign on law and order. But the daughter of Democrats founder Don Chipp, who famously vowed to “keep the bastards honest”, will not run on a platform of cracking down on youth crime at the November…
Read More Reason candidate Laura Chipp takes a different tack on youth crime

Interview with Fiona Patten, Sex, Drugs, and the Electoral Roll

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Uncommon Sense – Triple R FM | Presented by Amy Mullins Fiona Patten MLC, Founder and Leader of Reason Party (formerly The Sex Party) and parliamentarian, discusses her memoir, ‘Sex, Drugs and the Electoral Roll: My unlikely journey from sex worker to Member of Parliament’. Broadcast on 11 September 2018. https://soundcloud.com/uncommonsense-rrr/interview-with-fiona-patten
Read More Interview with Fiona Patten, Sex, Drugs, and the Electoral Roll

‘I hadn’t had a lot of sex lately’: Fiona Patten, from sex worker to politician

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By Tony Wright   Fiona Patten, libertarian, social reformer, politician and long-time advocate for the sex industry, leans back in her chair, takes a sip of her Campari and soda and lets loose a throaty laugh. “Well, yes, I have written a book, haven’t I?” she chuckles. “It’s just that while I was writing it, it…
Read More ‘I hadn’t had a lot of sex lately’: Fiona Patten, from sex worker to politician

My @#$@ Is Bigger Than Your @#$#

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Leader of the Reason Party and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten has called out MPs for being more focused on each other than they are on public good and policy making.   Over the last decade public engagement and trust in politicians in Australia has fallen to a record low, with 74% of the public…
Read More My @#$@ Is Bigger Than Your @#$#

Unprecedented Public Dental Strike

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Media Release Tuesday 21 August 2018   Leader of the Reason Party and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten has thrown her support behind tomorrow’s Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) strike, which will protest against huge public dental waiting times and lack of access to dental care.   The Victorian Oral Health Alliance estimates that…
Read More Unprecedented Public Dental Strike

Trust me, I’m a Politician?

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MEDIA RELEASE Leader of the Reason Party and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten’s strategy for new integrity and transparency rules for politicians, has been reaffirmed by a new survey conducted by Griffith University and Transparency International Australia. The survey, of 2,218 adults, revealed that trust and confidence in all levels of government fell in 2017…
Read More Trust me, I’m a Politician?

Can we just stop acting like dicks?

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Leader of the Reason Party and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten today announced her plan for new integrity and transparency rules for politicians – after a week of painful point-scoring and finger-pointing in parliament.   “Debate in both houses today, where the major parties accused each other of dishonest and fraudulent conduct, achieved nothing for…
Read More Can we just stop acting like dicks?

Anglican Church faces complaints over Peter Hollingworth remaining a bishop

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By Richard Willingham and Ben Knight Disgraced former governor-general Peter Hollingworth has been named in several complaints to the Anglican diocese of Melbourne over his continuing status as a bishop in the church. The complaints have been made by survivors of abuse at the hands of Anglican clergy and teaching staff in the Brisbane diocese, where Dr Hollingworth…
Read More Anglican Church faces complaints over Peter Hollingworth remaining a bishop

Report: Inquiry into civics and electoral participation in Victorian state parliamentary elections

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  The Electoral Matters Committee in a joint investigative committee in the Victorian Parliament. It was asked by the Legislative Assembly on the 21 February, 2017 to specifically examine: – Electoral and civics education, the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) community engagement programs and other best practice approaches used by the VEC, other Australian electoral commissions,…
Read More Report: Inquiry into civics and electoral participation in Victorian state parliamentary elections

Should we have religious discrimination legislation? – Law Report (ABC Radio National)

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Presented by Damien Carrick for the Law Report, ABC Radio National Image: From left to right Damien Carrick, Associate Professor Luke Beck, Ron Merkel QC, Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, Fiona Patten MP, Morgan Begg IPA (James Pattison, Monash University supplied) Listen now (Link will open in new window) In Australia the issue of religious freedom has become a recurring theme…
Read More Should we have religious discrimination legislation? – Law Report (ABC Radio National)

Holding the balance in Parliament – domain.com.au

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  PETER WILMOTH | AUG 2, 2018 Fiona Patten at Parliament House in Melbourne. Photo: Julian Kingma Three years into her career as a “mainstream” politician, it seems Fiona Patten’s time has come. Well, her ideas, anyway. Marriage equality, medicinal cannabis, legislative protection for women visiting abortion clinics, safe drug-injecting rooms, all issues Patten has long…
Read More Holding the balance in Parliament – domain.com.au

Pollies in the spotlight

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CBD residents last month heard first-hand what their parliamentary representatives have so far achieved and what their future priorities were. Speaking at Residents 3000’s monthly forum on July 5 were local MHR Adam Bandt, MLA Ellen Sandell and MLC Fiona Patten. Residents 3000 runs monthly forums and intends to check in again with the parliamentarians…
Read More Pollies in the spotlight

3AW: Tom Elliot Takes Offence

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Reason Party MP Fiona Patten says she doesn’t think there’s an issue with her new billboard using a swear word to make a point. The billboard on Spencer Street reads “A politician who knows who to get s**t done” with letters ‘sh’ crossed out. Tom Elliott questioned the slogan on 3AW Drive. Ms Patten said…
Read More 3AW: Tom Elliot Takes Offence

North Richmond safe injecting centre opens after mass overdose deaths

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IN a small, inner-city suburb of Melbourne, drug use is rampant and flagrant. But the solution has caused division among locals. Rohan Smith @ro_smith news.com.au HIGH-rise housing commission flats tower over Lennox St in North Richmond. There’s a pub across the road, graffiti scribbled all over an adjacent laneway and signs of drug use everywhere. This is…
Read More North Richmond safe injecting centre opens after mass overdose deaths

Take it on notice? Wrapping-up PAEC

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I LOVE asking questions, I have a very inquisitive nature. Actually, sometimes I wish I could switch it off! But … it has taken me all over the world, into several careers and made me who I am today. What I love most about asking questions is getting the response, which opens up new questions I can ask. If there’s a question I…
Read More Take it on notice? Wrapping-up PAEC

Fiona Patten MP secures campaign expenditure cap for major parties and fairer funding model for all

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Later today Labor will introduce their Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill to the Upper House. A Bill originally prepared by the major parties, for the major parties, and so heavily weighted in their favour that it would have ended minor party politics in Victoria.   Fiona has secured the following amendments to correct this:   Election…
Read More Fiona Patten MP secures campaign expenditure cap for major parties and fairer funding model for all

Fiona Patten MP: Churches need to stop perceiving themselves as above the law when it comes to child abuse

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This week the Prime Minister confirmed victims of child sexual abuse will receive a national apology.  The Attorney–General said priests should be forced to report individuals that have confessed to child abuse crimes. The Social Services Minister called for criminal laws in regards to reporting child sexual abuse to be nationalised. And the Church responded…
Read More Fiona Patten MP: Churches need to stop perceiving themselves as above the law when it comes to child abuse

Naivety helped Fiona Patten take the reins of a new political movement in Australia

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KRISTINE ZIWICA Women’s Agenda Fiona Patten, the Victorian cross-bencher who has led change on abortion, assisted dying and drug reform, talks to Kristine Ziwica on what has made her such an effective independent politician, the need for more women of all stripes to enter politics and her high hopes for a new political movement in Australia….
Read More Naivety helped Fiona Patten take the reins of a new political movement in Australia