Tips for writing a submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee.
Structure your submission as follows.
Submission on the …….. Policy (or Bill)
To the ……….. committee
Date.
Personal Details.
a) This is a submission from ……..(name of person, group, or organisation, address, and post code).
b) Details about yourself, or your organisation, it’s purpose, membership, structure, other relevant details as to your/your group’s experience in this area, and people involved in writing the submission.
c) We can be contacted at (contact details).
Submission
a) We support/oppose the intent of this bill because ……
b) Community experience – this is your chance to capture hearts, so don’t just give facts, include personal stories.
c) Recommendations – list the specific recommendations which you, your group, or your organisation wants the committee to take into consideration.
We wish/do not wish to make an oral submission before the committee.
Committees may have dozens or even hundreds of submissions to get through – they may prefer to read just a couple of pages (around 800 words). Again, if you keep it short and to the point you will make more of an impact. In saying that, longer submissions are also read, and if you have a lot to say that’s completely acceptable as long as you stay on topic.
You could think about what your headlines would be, and then write under them. This can help to keep things structured and on point.
It is important to note that if you intend to give an oral submission, you are only allowed to talk about the things you have mentioned in your submission – so for example you might want to mention healthcare access rather than surgery access, which gives you more scope for elaboration.
Submissions are either entered online, or 2 hard copies are required if submitted by post. These must be received by the committee secretariat before the closing date.
Find out more about how a Bill becomes a law below.
