Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, it's been nearly a year since the implementation of strict COVID-19 lockdown laws that impacted us all in different ways. Half of the petitions and ministerial responses that I present today regard COVID-19 and reflect the impacts of the pandemic still being felt throughout the nation a year later. The rest request action on a range of other diverse topics, indicating the genuine concern Australians have for their neighbours, their loved ones, and the environment.

The committee's important role is to facilitate a passage for people to express these concerns. Practically, this involves:

The committee takes an impartial view on petition topics and does not provide comment on or engage in debate on the issues raised. In this way, we can facilitate the path of petitions through the House on the range of diverse topics mentioned, regardless of politics or opinion, and encourage direct citizen engagement with the parliament.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I look forward to further updating the House on the work of the committee.