There are many ways to get involved, bring about change and influence decisions in Queensland.

In Australia decisions and laws affecting citizens are made at three levels

  • the national level
  • the state and territory level
  • the local level

At the national and state levels, people vote for politicians to represent them in Parliament. These Parliaments make decisions and laws for all citizens. At the local level, decisions are usually made by elected councils. This system of electing politicians to represent us in Parliament is called representative democracy.

Politicians can represent us better if we tell them about our concerns and ideas.

Explore the ways you can have your say and get involved with Queensland Parliament below.

How Members of the Public Can Influence Decisions

In Australia decisions and laws affecting citizens are made at three levels
  • the national level
  • the state and territory level
  • the local level

At the national and state levels, people vote for politicians to represent them in Parliament. These Parliaments make decisions and laws for all citizens. At the local level, decisions are usually made by elected councils. This system of electing politicians to represent us in Parliament is called representative democracy.

Politicians can represent us better if we tell them about our concerns and ideas. Here are some ways you can be an active citizen.

Contact Your Representative

Your representative will probably have an office not far from where you live. Drop into the electorate office, make an appointment, make a phone call, write a letter, send a fax, e-mail a message – let your representative know what you think.

Contact your local, state or federal representative to:

  • let them know what you think
  • get advice or help
  • pass on a suggestion or good idea

 

You can find contact details for your State representative here.

Contact the Australian Electoral Commission for details about your federal representatives (phone 13 23 26). Contact your local council for details about your local government representatives.

Write or Sign a Petition

A petition is a document that states a concern and asks that something be done to improve the situation. Members of the community sign the petition to show their support. The more signatures the better. If someone asks you to sign a petition and you support the idea – sign it.

Petitions are tabled in the State and Federal Parliaments and in local councils. They tell our representatives how members of the public are feeling about an issue. In Queensland, the relevant Minister must respond to a petition within 30 days.

If you want to write a petition, decide whether the issue is a local, state or federal one and contact your representative. They will provide you with information on how to write your petition. (In Queensland you can circulate petitions online using an e-petition. Go here). You will need to collect signatures and ask your representative to present the petition in Parliament or at council.

Write a Letter to the Editor or Phone Talkback Radio

If you want other people to hear about your concern or good idea, a newspaper may be prepared to publish a letter from you in the "letters to the editor" section. Look in the newspaper for details on how to do this.

You can also phone talkback radio if they are discussing a relevant topic.

Join a Political Party

All Australians are free to join a political party. If you want to be involved in selecting candidates (or becoming one) and developing policies, contact the political party of your choice and find out about membership fees and how to apply.

Join or Start a Lobby Group

Lobby groups try to bring about change. A lobby group may be a big organisation or a small community group who share the same ideas about an issue.

Larger lobby groups are listed in the telephone directory and would welcome your enquiry about membership.

Inform the Media

Newspapers, television, and radio are the main way that information is spread – to us and to our representatives. If you feel that you have been disadvantaged or have something worthwhile to tell, consider contacting the media. They may choose to use a journalist to report your story to the community.

Attend or Organise a Rally

In Australia you have the right to protest. It is legal to attend or organise a rally or meeting to express your view on an issue. Protest can be a powerful way of sending a message to your representatives, and often attracts media attention.

Although it is legal to express your opinion by attending or speaking at a rally, make sure that you obey laws about behaviour in public places.

If you plan to organise a rally, contact the police first.

Send a Submission to a Parliamentary Committee

The State and Federal Parliaments regularly form committees to get more information about an issue. Look out for notices in major newspapers advertising parliamentary inquiries. These committees want to hear ideas from the community.

You will need to make a submission in writing.  However, committees sometimes invite people to speak at a hearing. Information on Queensland parliamentary committees can be found here.

Attend Your Local Council Meetings

Some local councils allow members of the public to speak at their meetings. Contact your local council for more information.

Be an Informed Voter

In Australia there are regular elections to choose representatives for local, state and federal governments. All Australian citizens who are 18 years or older must register to vote.

Find out who the people are who want to be politicians. What action do they (or their political party) plan to take on issues that are important to you? Vote for the candidates who you believe will represent you well.

You can get details about your federal or state electorates by phoning the Australian Electoral Commission on 13 23 26, for the cost of a local call.


Contact your local member

Information on current Members of the Queensland Parliament

Read more

Make a submission

A guide to making a submission to a committee of the Queensland Parliament

Read more

Vote at State Elections

Frequently Asked Questions during an election period

Read more

Sign or start a petition

Information about E-Petitions and paper petitions

Read more

Contact Us

Contact your parliament

Read more