Our Policy and Submissions volunteer team provide parents' perspectives on a range of climate and related policy matters. They develop submissions relating to proposed legislation, government policy (mainly at federal and state level) and certain emissions intensive development projects.
On this page you can find some of our previous submissions. All are vetted by a member of Parents for Climate's leadership to ensure they represent our goals of non-partisan, respectful & professional, parent-led climate action.
Do submissions work? In a word, yes!
Many of our submissions have been referenced or included in final decisions. Though sometimes, even overwhelming support for a particular outcome doesn't move fossil-fuel-obsessed governments or a legislatively-hamstrung administration. It's important to understand who will read your submission (hint: it's normally a public servant, rarely a politician), and whether the argument you are making is within their legislative or regulatory remit to act upon. One of the challenges we face is that Australia's laws often don't actually work to protect our environment or safeguard our rights to a safe climate, except in very specific circumstances. On the other hand, sometimes governments seek genuine consultations, and are willing to be swayed or even guided by submissions received. Context matters.
Interested in joining our volunteer Policy and Submissions team? Please send a short expression of interest including any relevant background or skills you can bring to the team to [email protected]