The justice select committee of Parliament has decided to reopen submissions due to technical difficulties that impacted the original submission process. The new deadline is set for 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14.
So far, the committee has reported an impressive 300,000 online submissions, with approximately half of these submissions arriving on the final day, which far exceeds the previous record of around 107,000 submissions recorded during the 2021 Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill process. The final tally of submissions may change as the committee staff works through the influx of entries.
Those who submitted their feedback via email between Monday and 9 AM on Thursday will be accepted as official submissions, provided they reference the technical issues with the website and adhere to the submission criteria. Individuals whose emails did not meet the criteria will need to make new submissions through the website portal. The committee has encouraged prompt submissions to avoid last-minute rushes, urging participants to submit their feedback earlier rather than delaying until the final hours.
For anyone still experiencing technical problems or questioning if their email submission is satisfactory, they are encouraged to reach out to committee staff at the designated email addresses. However, a delay in response is expected due to the high volume of public engagement.
The committee will count each individual submitter only once, even if they submit multiple entries. Issues with the website had previously hindered many from submitting their feedback before the original deadline of January 7. Notably, technical consultant Louisa Taylor observed that the problems might have originated from either low server capacity or potentially from a cyberattack.
This prompt reopening of submissions is a reflection of the committee’s commitment to facilitating public engagement and ensuring that more voices can be heard, even amidst technical challenges. The high level of participation indicates strong public interest in the treaty principles bill, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive and representative legislative process.
In summary, the reopening of submissions due to technical issues showcases the parliament’s adaptability and commitment to public engagement in crucial legislative matters. It highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and ensures that every voice can be heard in shaping laws that affect the community.
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