Making a Submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee

An updated version of the guide Making a Submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee is now available on this website and in hard copy.

Submissions for items of business can now be made online via a web form on this website. Making an online submission is a quick and effective way for people to communicate their views to parliamentary select committees.

New Zealand’s system of parliamentary democracy not only provides for people to elect their representatives, but also allows them to have a say in shaping the laws that affect them. One of the ways this involvement is achieved is by the select committees of the House of Representatives receiving submissions from the public.

The system of public input into legislative proposals is an important element in the parliamentary process and in the democratic life of the country.

Submissions are also received on parliamentary inquiries and other matters before select committees. This provides people with an opportunity to put forward their views on issues and may ultimately result in new laws.

For submissions to be effective, content and format are factors that need to be considered carefully. Making a Submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee is designed to assist with the writing of a submission to a select committee on a bill or an inquiry.

Making a Submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee also covers how to present an oral submission, describes the rights of witnesses, and provides general information on select committees.

A link to the guide is available in the related links panel.