EVERY CITIZEN HAS RIGHT TO PETITION TO PARLIAMNET
Petitioning the Australian Parliament is a way for citizens to raise their concerns, requests, or grievances on specific issues and have them addressed by the government. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to petition the Australian Parliament:
Identify the Issue: Determine the specific issue you want to address through your petition. It should be a matter within the jurisdiction of the Australian Parliament.
Research and Prepare: Gather information about the issue, including relevant facts, data, and supporting evidence. This will strengthen your petition and demonstrate its importance.
Format the Petition: Compose your petition in a clear and concise manner. State the issue, your request or desired action, and the reasons behind it. Make sure it is respectful and free of offensive language.
Identify the Correct Recipient: Address your petition to the appropriate body within the Australian Parliament. In most cases, this will be the House of Representatives or the Senate.
Get Signatures: Petitions are more effective when they have multiple signatures from concerned citizens. You can collect signatures both physically and online. Make sure signatories include their full name, address, and date.
Check the Rules: Review the guidelines and requirements for submitting petitions to the Australian Parliament. The specific rules may vary, so it’s essential to adhere to them to ensure your petition is considered.
Submit the Petition: You can submit your petition in different ways, depending on the rules of the Australian Parliament. Common methods include:
a. Online: Many parliamentary websites offer an online petition platform where you can submit your petition electronically. – https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions
b. Mail: Send a printed copy of your petition to the appropriate address. Double-check the correct postal address for submissions.
c. Hand Delivery: In some cases, you may be allowed to deliver the petition in person to the parliamentary office.
Follow Up: After submitting the petition, you can follow up with the appropriate parliamentary office to confirm its receipt and inquire about any further steps.
Publicize the Petition: Spread the word about your petition to gain more support. Use social media, community gatherings, and other platforms to raise awareness about your cause and encourage others to sign.
Await Response: The Australian Parliament will review your petition and respond accordingly. This response could be in the form of direct action, debate in Parliament, or an official explanation of their position on the matter.
Remember that petitions are one of many ways to engage with the government and advocate for change. If you are passionate about a specific issue, consider reaching out to your local Member of Parliament, participating in community events, or joining advocacy groups to amplify your voice further.
