4.2.2 Petitions

Select the correct definition of a petition from the list below.

• A formal, written request to the parliament to take some action or implement law reform.
• A formal, written request to the government asking for them to change their minds on a certain issue.
• A formal, written letter to the government requesting that they take action and change the law.
• A formal, written letter to the parliament that asks them to provide special treatment from the person who sent it.

True or false: Petitions are the only way an individual can directly put their concerns or complaints before the parliament.

• True
• False

Pablo arranges a petition in relation to climate change. He is keen to ensure that the petition has the desired effect of generating a change in the law in relation to carbon emissions. Which of the following is not a factor in determining whether the petition will influence legislative change?

• All options are correct.
• Who tables the petition in parliament.
• Whether the petition gains public and/or media attention.
• The number of people that sign the petition.

Which one of these statements is not true?

• A petition must be legible and not contain any offensive language.
• A petition must be addressed to the house in which it is being presented.
• A petition can be a scan, a photocopy or an original document.
• A petition must contain a clear statement if the request for action or terms of the petition.

In relation to petitions as a means by which individuals can influence law reforms, in assessment tasks you are expected to be able to:

• provide examples of petitions tabled in parliament.
• All options are correct.
• explain what petitions are.
• discuss the ability of petitions to influence law reform.