A petition is a formal request used to lobby a law-making body such as local government. It may request an amendment to general law or the review of an administrative decision. The petition is placed before the law-making body with the object of implementing the particular action or amendment. Petitioning is one of the traditional forms by which people can make requests direct to council.
Petitions should adhere to certain standards that ensure the message is conveyed in a clear and succinct manner, including:
The petition must be signed by at least 10 persons (clearly stating the name and address of each person signing it), each only signing once directly onto the petition form and not pasted or otherwise affixed or transferred to the petition.
The petition should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and be either:
Once received, the Chief Executive Officer will present the petition to a Council General Meeting. In accordance with the council’s meeting procedure, the Chief Executive Officer may move that the petition be received and referred to the relevant area of council for investigation and report back to council, if required.
The principal petitioner will be advised in writing of Council’s decision, following the relevant General Meeting.
Click on the following links to find out more about petitioning other levels of Australian government.
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