policy

Inquiry on future of petitioning in Parliament - submissions sought

The House Standing Committee on Petitions has today launched its inquiry into the future of petitioning in the House. Chair of the Petitions Committee, Lucy Wicks MP, said the Committee wants petitioning the House of Representatives to be accessible and relevant to all Australians.

“Petitioning is an important part of our democratic process. Creating or signing a petition gives people a direct link to seek action from the Parliament on an issue they care about”, Mrs Wicks said.

“This inquiry will give people the opportunity to have their say on what petitioning should look like, including what action should be taken on a petition after it is presented to the House”.

The inquiry will review all aspects of petitioning, including the role and operations of the Petitions Committee and the rules for petitioning the House. The Committee will also consider how parliaments around Australia and overseas facilitate petitioning.

“With over 600 petitions approved so far during this Parliament, it is clear that people want their voices heard by Parliament and government. The Committee is listening to these voices and wants to ensure they continue to be heard into the future”, the Chair said.

Submissions are open until 12 October. For more information about the inquiry or to lodge a submission, visit the Committee website or email [email protected].

For background information:
Standing Committee on Petitions
02 6277 2152
[email protected]

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. Click on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner and use the forms to login to My Parliament or to register for a My Parliament account.