Parliament’s justice select committee has unanimously resolved to extend the deadline for submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill until 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14, due to technical issues that disrupted the online submission portal. This decision is particularly significant as the committee received an unprecedented initial response, with approximately 300,000 submissions recorded—nearly half submitted on the final day before the website malfunctioned. This remarkable figure far exceeds the previous record of about 107,000 submissions for the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.

As staff continue to process these submissions, the final tally may still change. Those wishing to contribute their feedback via email can do so until Thursday at 9 AM, provided they reference the technical difficulties, include their name, and comply with the submission requirements. Submissions failing to meet these criteria will need to be resubmitted through the official website.

The committee has strongly encouraged the public to submit their feedback early, rather than waiting until the last minute. Individuals experiencing technical challenges or unsure if their email submissions meet the necessary conditions are invited to reach out for assistance, and are advised to attach a screenshot evidencing any issues encountered.

The problems experienced with the submission platform prevented many from meeting the original deadline of January 7, with reports indicating that these technical difficulties could have been ongoing since late November 2023. Technical consultant Louisa Taylor suggested that the issues might stem from either low server capacity or potential cyberattacks, highlighting the need for a more robust and reliable submission system.

Despite these challenges, the substantial public engagement demonstrates a strong interest in the legislative process concerning the Treaty Principles Bill. This reopening of submissions reflects the committee’s commitment to inclusivity in governance, facilitating diverse voices in the discussion around key legislation.

In summary, the committee’s proactive decision to extend the submission deadline fosters public participation and underlines the importance of civic engagement in shaping laws that impact communities. This encourages a more democratic process and showcases the significance of transparency and dialogue in governance. The expanded opportunity for submissions serves as a hopeful sign of the continued investment in community voices in the legislative process.