Standing Committee on Petitions tables report into the security and accessibility aspects of the House of Representatives petitions system.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 24 June 2021

The Standing Committee on Petitions has today tabled its report into the security and accessibility aspects of the House of Representatives petitions system. The Committee examined the need to balance security and accessibility requirements for electronic and paper petitions, the functionality of current systems, and the options for future development and change to the petitions system. Chair of the Committee, Mr Ken O’Dowd MP, said the inquiry has highlighted the ongoing importance of petitioning to Australians. ‘Through the course of its inquiry the Committee has been presented with evidence on the importance and functionality of the House petitions system, and we thank all inquiry participants who put forward a submission. As the only way for members of the public to have a direct voice to Parliament we recognise the value of petitioning,’ said Mr O’Dowd. The inquiry report reflects on the current functions of the petitions system, and its effectiveness at maintaining an accessible yet secure way to facilitate public support for petitions. Mr O’Dowd added, ‘The Petitions Committee seeks to retain the accessibility of the system, while continuing to manage security requirements. The report does not include recommendations, as we found that any changes to security would negatively impact accessibility and vice versa.’ He also noted that the Committee understands that the current balance meets the requirements of the Australian public. ‘We will continue to work to deliver a secure, user-friendly system to facilitate debate and change for the betterment of all Australians,’ said Mr O’Dowd. Further details about the inquiry, including the report and submissions, can be found on the Committee’s webpage. Committee Secretariat contact: Committee Secretary 02 6277 2152 petitions.committee.reps@aph.gov.au

The Standing Committee on Petitions has launched a new inquiry to examine certain aspects of security and accessibility relating to the House’s petitioning system.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 December 2020

The Standing Committee on Petitions has launched a new inquiry to examine certain aspects of security and accessibility relating to the House’s petitioning system. The inquiry will examine the Committee’s requirement to balance a secure and compliant petitioning system, while maintaining a high-level of accessibility for petitioners. It will also examine the impact that fraudulent behaviour has on the petitioning process and what further measures, if any, can be implemented to ensure the ongoing provision of a legitimate and robust petitioning process. Committee Chair, Mr Ken O’Dowd MP, said ‘The Committee has an important role in ensuring an open and accessible petitioning system, but we need to make sure that it is as robust as it can be without compromising this.’   ‘We want to encourage people to petition, not deter them, but we also don’t want to see fraudulent behaviour.’ The Committee welcomes submissions addressing the terms of reference from interested parties. Submissions are due by 18 February 2021. The full terms of reference for the inquiry and information about how to make a submission can be found on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Peter Hardy at the office of Ken O’Dowd MP Peter.Hardy@aph.gov.au PH: 07 4972 5465 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2152 petitions.committee.reps@aph.gov.au