Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

All of the petitions presented this morning are paper petitions. Although small in number compared with last weeks all e-petition presentation, paper petitions demonstrate the strong commitment of the individuals who coordinate them. Only one signature is required for a petition to be presented, but in recent times the secretariat has received single paper petitions with, variously, 16,000, 8,000 and 6,000 signatures, on human rights issues, and one with 6,000 signatures, on climate change.

The individuals who create and manage these petitions do so because they believe the matter has the potential to improve people's lives and make the world a better place.

Upon presentation in the House, with rare exception, petitions are referred to the appropriate minister for response. Ministers are expected to respond within 90 days of referral. It is evident that the minister's response is important to petitioners, because of the number of inquiries to the secretariat asking if the response has been received yet. The timing and content of the responses from ministers show that the concerns and motivations of ordinary Australians are valued and acts to encourage future involvement in making life better for us all.

I look forward to further updating the House on the work of the Petitions Committee when Parliament resumes in 2020.

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