
Submitting: Do’s & Don’ts
Learn the essential do's and don'ts of writing a powerful submission to oppose harmful legislation. This guide offers practical tips on crafting clear, respectful, and persuasive arguments to ensure your voice makes an impact.
DO:
Be Clear and Concise
Use plain language to express your points clearly and avoid unnecessary jargon.Stay Relevant
Address specific sections or aspects of the bill that concern you, and back your points with evidence.Be Respectful
Maintain a professional and respectful tone, even if you strongly oppose the legislation.Use Personal Experiences
Share your own experiences or insights to illustrate how the bill may impact individuals or communities.Provide Solutions
Suggest alternatives or improvements if possible, showing you are constructive in your critique.Proofread Your Submission
Review your writing for spelling, grammar, and clarity before submitting.Collaborate if Needed
Work with groups or organizations to strengthen your submission with collective knowledge and expertise.
DON’T:
Don’t Use Offensive Language
Avoid insults, personal attacks, or any disrespectful remarks, as they undermine your credibility.Don’t Copy and Paste Entirely
Avoid submitting templates or pre-written responses without personalization, as unique perspectives carry more weight.Don’t Ignore the Focus
Stay on topic and avoid straying into unrelated issues or personal grievances.Don’t Overcomplicate Your Points
Avoid overloading your submission with excessive technical details or irrelevant information.Make personal attacks: Submissions that target or abuse specific individuals, including MPs, will be dismissed.
Include personal details: Avoid personal details in your submission text that you wouldn’t want publicly available; these can be added to the form separately.
Don’t Miss Deadlines
Late submissions are typically not accepted, so ensure you submit on time.