Content of submissions
Submissions are usually written documents, but they can be pictures or short videos. There is no set format for submissions. Submissions can contain facts, opinions, and recommendations. They can address some or all of the terms of reference. Submissions should draw on your particular knowledge or experience of the issues.
Useful submissions make a clear argument, contain recommendations for action, and provide sources for any references. If the submission is more than a few pages long it is helpful to include a table of contents and a summary.
During an inquiry, additional evidence or comment can be provided to the committee through a supplementary submission.
We will remove personal details such as email addresses from a submission before publishing it on the website. If possible, include personal details in a cover letter rather than the body of the submission.
Given the sensitive nature of some inquiries, please ensure that the names and identifying details of other people, particularly children, are not included in your submission. If you would like your submission to be private, you can request it be accepted on a confidential basis (see below).
Attachments and supporting documents can be sent with your submission. If the document you are attaching has already been published (for example, a journal article or newspaper article), the committee may call it an ‘exhibit’ or correspondence. It is important that you state clearly if any of your attachments or supporting documents should be taken as confidential.
You may also include hyperlinks and references to other documents. Please include full web addresses, as hyperlinks may be removed before publication.
Submissions which make allegations or comment negatively about another organisation or person will take longer to be considered by a committee. The organisation or person you refer to may be given your submission and the opportunity to respond.
Submissions should not include discriminatory content, foul or offensive language, or refer to matters currently before a court.