Parliament’s justice select committee has decided to reopen submissions for the Treaty Principles Bill until 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14, following issues with the online submission portal. Initial reports indicate that around 300,000 submissions were received, with a significant portion—approximately half—coming in on the final day. This figure greatly exceeds the previous record of 107,000 submissions related to the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.
As staff process the submissions, the final tally may fluctuate. Submissions can still be sent via email to the committee, given they reference the technical issues encountered, include the submitter’s name and proposal, and adhere to submission guidelines. Those who submitted forms that do not meet these criteria will need to re-enter them through the website.
The committee has urged individuals to submit their feedback promptly, avoiding last-minute filings to ensure all voices are heard effectively. For those struggling with technical issues or unsure if their email meets requirements, assistance can be sought by contacting the committee’s staff directly.
Moreover, it’s important to note that each submitter will only be counted once, regardless of the number of submissions made, while identical submissions from different individuals will be managed at the committee’s discretion. Challenges with the website, which prevented many from meeting the initial deadline, have been attributed to possible low server capacity or malicious attacks.
As the committee continues its work, it expresses appreciation for public engagement and patience as they manage the influx of submissions and inquiries.
This development not only demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public participation in the legislative process but also highlights the importance of accessible communication channels between constituents and their representatives. The reopening of submissions serves as an opportunity for further community involvement in shaping impactful legislation.
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