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

At the first presentation for 2022, we can see a large volume of petitions and ministerial responses today, which reflects the break in the sitting period. The committee has been pleased to see the public's continued engagement in petitioning, which continued over summer. Working with the House of Representatives social media team, we have used the break to continue our petitioning education and public engagement efforts. This has included sharing information on what is a petition and the rules around petitioning; advice on who can create and sign a petition; and suggestions as to how to request action on issues of public concern. There has been continued engagement with petitioning, as this is the only method for the public to have a direct voice to parliament. Petitions remain an important part of our democratic process.

The committee has been pleased to see the ongoing engagement with petitioning continuing into the new year, with all Australian citizens and residents entitled to petition the House. We can see a diversity of issues and approaches to petitioning. For example, while some requests are advocated for by individuals only, others make up part of a more coordinated and wide-reaching campaign. Of note, there are no signature thresholds for petitioning; all are treated equally.

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