Sourced positions
A verified position is the member's own stated view or vote, supported by the listed sources. This page records public statements and conduct only — see methodology.
Abortion & reproductive policy verified
Payne (Legalise Cannabis Party) describes herself as 'unequivocally pro-choice' and opposes conscientious objection provisions in Victoria's abortion laws, arguing 'to work in public health is to serve the needs of all patients.' In October 2025 she co-authored, with Georgie Purcell, a report calling for medical and surgical abortion to be made free to every Victorian, expanded surgical provision in public hospitals, extending medical abortion access from nine to twelve weeks, and oversight of conscientious objection.
Gender & LGBTQ+ policy verified
Legalise Cannabis MLC for South-Eastern Metropolitan (since 2022) and an LGBTIQ advocate. On Transgender Day of Remembrance (28 November 2024) she made a Legislative Council statement in solidarity with trans and gender-diverse people, citing high rates of violence and suicidal thoughts and criticising parliamentarians who use 'child safety' as a pretext for vilification. She has supported gender-affirming care for minors, anti-vilification laws and LGBTIQ+ legal services, and praised Minister Harriet Shing's 'unwavering allyship.'
Freedom of speech verified
Voted for the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024, which repealed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and expanded vilification protections (Legislative Council, second reading, 1 April 2025; Ayes 22, Noes 17). Voted against the Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2025, which allows police to direct the removal of face coverings at protests and expands stop, search and move-on powers (Legislative Council, second reading, 2 December 2025; Ayes 30, Noes 8).
Drugs & law and order verified
Legalise Cannabis Party MLC. With David Ettershank, Payne co-introduced the Road Safety Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2023 to end automatic licence loss for unimpaired medicinal cannabis drivers; the resulting reform took effect 1 March 2025. She voted in support of the government's Pill Testing Bill 2024 (passed 29 October 2024) and introduced the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023 to allow personal adult cannabis use.
Gambling & gaming reform verified
Voted for the second reading of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Repeal and Advisory Councils Bill 2024, which abolished the Foundation (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 23, Noes 13). Voted for the second reading of the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 (Legislative Council, 27 May 2025; Ayes 35, Noes 1). Voted for the third reading of the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Legislative Council, 17 June 2025; Ayes 22, Noes 14).
Hunting (duck & native birds) verified
Voted for establishing the Legislative Council's Select Committee on Victoria's Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements, on the motion to establish it (Legislative Council, 9 March 2023; Ayes 20, Noes 15). The committee's majority report later recommended ending recreational native bird hunting. Voted against Jeff Bourman's motion on deer hunting (Legislative Council, 13 November 2024; Ayes 32, Noes 6; agreed to).
Native forest logging verified
Voted for the third reading of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024, which repealed the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 following the cessation of native forest logging on 1 January 2024 (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 20, Noes 12).
Animal welfare verified
Voted for Georgie Purcell's motion on wildlife rescue (Legislative Council, 20 March 2024; Ayes 22, Noes 13; agreed to).
Record last updated 2026-08-13.