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

The petitions I present today focus on a broad range of issues important to the Australian public. These include, of course, COVID-19, alongside other longstanding and important issues such as veterans' affairs, the environment, parental leave, aged care, travel and health. The diversity of petitions the committee receives is representative of the importance of the petitioning process, and the opportunity this provides the public to have a direct voice to parliament.

On related note, I am able to advise the House that the committee continues its inquiry into aspects of the House petitioning system pertaining to security and accessibility. The committee has received 13 submissions, which include several from parliaments from across Australia as well as the parliaments of New Zealand and Scotland. We thank all inquiry participants for their time in putting forward a submission. The committee continues to analyse the evidence as it considers how to best balance the security and accessibility arrangements of the petitioning system. Thank you Mr Speaker, I look forward to further updating the House on the work of the Petitions Committee and the progress of this inquiry.