Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

This report includes a large number of petitions, so I echo my previous comments on just how great it is that democracy can continue to flourish, even though many of us around the country have experienced, or are experiencing, social distancing in various forms. While visitors are currently unable to enter parliament, the public can be assured that the regular work of the parliament continues, including the Petitions Committee, who continue to work remotely to receive and consider petitions and to assist petitioners with their queries.

Likewise, ministers continue to be busy providing responses to petitions. This report includes 57 responses to petitions previously presented, which is a great outcome for the petitioners. The Petitions Committee refers the majority of petitions to ministers, and most are responded to, providing a clear avenue of communication between the petitioner and the highest government offices. This communication is then published on the committee's website as part of a transparent process. The committee would like to thank ministers for their continued work in supporting this very important activity and petitioners for continuing to engage with their parliament online during uncertain and difficult times.

I look forward to further updating the House on the work of the Petitions Committee.

See this speech in context