Every day, our elected representatives and public servants are working on major projects and making big decisions which affect everyone’s lives.
When decision makers conduct inquiries or propose new rules, projects or policies that could impact on people and places, the community is often invited to have their say.
This is a precious part of our democracy. It gives everyone the chance to engage in the policies which affect our communities and environment.
What is a submission?
Government departments, government authorities, committees and inquiries often invite citizens to share their opinions to inform their decision making or policies.
When making a decision, the decision maker will read all submissions from the public and interested groups.
If these submissions are relevant to the project or the “terms of reference” in the case of an inquiry, the submission will be “accepted”. Sometimes they are published online.
How to write an impactful submission
The best submissions are unique. Decision makers are much more likely to read and be influenced by a submission written with genuine care and a desire to protect the people and places we all love.
Before you start getting words down, think about what key issues matter the most to you and why.
If you can, include evidence or personal experiences to back up your statements and make clear recommendations which the decision maker can act on.
Read the information available to you, including documents on the relevant website inviting submissions to be made, or the terms of reference in the case of an inquiry. Think about how you want to address some or all of them (you do not need to address each one).
Rather than calling on a minister to ‘do the right thing’, it is more effective to set out what actually needs to be done to achieve the outcome you want.
Start your submission by introducing yourself – who are you and why have you taken the time to have your voice heard?
Next, set out the key issues, using personal experience and clear actions. If you can, identify what is driving the key issues you’ve raised.
- Include evidence and data to support your statement. Helpful facts and reports can often be found on EJA’s website.
Link the issue back to the reason for the submission – whether it’s an inquiry, a project assessment, or legislative review, let the decision maker know how they can address the issues you’ve raised.
- Make sure you address some or all of the terms of reference, so your arguments are relevant to what the decision makers are focusing on.
Your submission doesn’t have to be long, but if it is, try breaking it up with subheadings and paragraph numbers.
Be respectful and clear. It’s important to make a persuasive statement but a submission that is rude or aggressive will be dismissed.
Only include information you are comfortable seeing published on the internet, as your submission might be published with your name on the inquiry’s website.
- If you do not want your submission published on the internet, write “confidential” on the front of your submission and briefly explain why.
- If your submission is confidential or contains sensitive information, contact the decision maker before you submit.
Be careful not to defame someone. Most organisations cannot sue for defamation, but individuals can.
- If you write something critical about another person, such as accusing them of lying or corrupt behaviour, this may be defamatory and that person could take legal action against you. These matters should be made to the relevant anti-corruption body or Ombudsman instead.
You’ve finished writing, now it’s time to follow the steps to "submit"!
Most submissions can be uploaded and submitted online.
We’d also love for you to share your submission with us, or if you have any questions and need more support get in touch at hello@envirojustice.org.au
Take action
Protected: Open letter to call on Premier Jacinta Allan to formally protect Victorian forests
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Read More
Call on our Environment Minister to create new laws that actually protect nature
Over the past 20 years, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act has failed to protect the places, plants and animals we love. But right now, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change that.
Read More
Help shape new rules for coal-fired power stations in New South Wales – Submission guide
For the first time in five years, all four coal-fired power stations in New South Wales are under review. Until 5pm Monday, 27 November, you can have your say and help make sure the EPA requires these power-stations to operate in the safest way possible for the health of our communities and environment.
Read More
Call for a Duty of Care to young people in climate decision-making – Submission guide
Under our federal environment laws, our government has no duty to consider the health and wellbeing of young people when making decisions that could have serious consequences for the world they will inherit. But thanks to the tireless work of young people fighting for their futures, we have a vital opportunity to change that.
Read More
Sign the petition to call on Engie to properly rehabilitate Hazelwood mine
When the Hazelwood coal mine closed in 2017, it left behind a massive toxic pit. Right now, we have an opportunity to ensure Engie’s plans to clean up the mine are properly scrutinised. Will you add your name?
Read More
Call on the NSW planning Minister to keep Sydney’s drinking water clean
Centennial Coal wants to discharge millions of litres of contaminated water right into the rivers that feed Sydney’s main drinking water source, Warragamba Dam. That’s why we’re calling for our NSW Planning Minister to use his powers to refer the plans to Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
Read More
