Presenting a petition to Parliament ...
Members of the public can raise concerns about any issues by having them raised in a petition which is submitted to Parliament on their behalf just before Question Time when the Legislative Assembly is sitting.
Below are the rules and a draft format for petitions. Any message can be entered. See the rules as a guide to what is not allowed. You can have just one name on a petition or thousands.
Petitions can be sent to Jillian's electorate office (address below) and she will submit them on your behalf.
Petitions are one of the most traditional Parliamentary processes, being the only means by which an individual can directly place grievances before the Parliament.
Current Petitions
- Fight to save Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital
- Oppose the extension of clearways along Spit and Military Roads
How to prepare a Petition
Form
1. Every petition should begin with the words "To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales in Parliament assembled". This is the preamble.
2. The last paragraph of the body of each petition must set out the general objective sought by the petitioner(s) or the nature of the action sought. This concluding paragraph is the request.
3. Each page of signatures must be headed with the words of the request.
4. The opening paragraphs of the petition (containing the preamble, petitioners, grievance and request) may be written, typed or printed. Every signature must be original handwriting, and signatures must not be pasted on, photocopied or transferred in any other way.
5. The petition must not have any attachments, such as letters, affidavits, or other documents, except in the case of a petition for a private bill.
6. The petition must be legible and contain no alterations.
7. The petition must be in English or accompanied by a translation certified to be correct by the Member lodging the petition. Signatures
8. The petition must be signed by the people whose names are listed, using their own signature or mark unless they are physically incapacitated. Every person signing a petition must write their address after their signature.
Content
9. The petition must not make reference to any debate in Parliament.
10. The petition must not ask for a grant of public money, either directly or indirectly.
11. The language used in the petition must be polite and respectful.
Presentation
12. Petitions can only be lodged for presentation to the Legislative Assembly by a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
13. The Clerk will announce to the House the petitions lodged for presentation, stating the Member who lodged it and the subject of the petition. Every petition presented is considered to be received by the House, unless the motion "that the petition be not received" is moved forthwith and agreed to. No debate is permitted on the subject matter of petitions. The text of each petition are printed in Hansard. The Clerk refers every petition received by the House to the Minister responsible for the administration of the subject matter of the petition. A copy of the Clerk's referral letter is forwarded to the Member lodging the petition.
Sample Format
Copy the format used in one of the above petitions.