All of the proposals being developed in the Online Parliament are suggested by your fellow parliamentarians. Anyone can suggest a proposal idea, and it does not obligate you to any extra work, though you are of course expected to be a committed team member.

What topics are appropriate for this Online Parliament?

While there are many valid and pressing problems in Australia that deserve attention, it is important to keep in mind that the Citizens' Parliament's charge is stated as

"How can Australia's political system
be strengthened to serve us better?"

This is our mission and it requires us to think strategically, to think about the big picture, rather than particular problems. To meet our mission we need to focus on how our system of government functions including how it handles problems, or fails to address them.

1. Proposals should be focused on our system of government and not on the services provided by the government.
2. Proposals should address the question: "Is there something about the way the Australian government works that leads to the problems you are concerned about or prevents that problem from being addressed effectively?"
3. Proposals should work on constructive suggestions to strengthen Australia's political system.

Suggesting a proposal is easy:

1. Click the link near the bottom of your home page that says Click to suggest a new proposal.
2. Read the Guidelines for Online Parliament Proposals and then click I accept.
3. Enter the proposal title. The proposal title is the first thing people will read so make it short, clear and catchy.
4. Describe the problem or issue you want to address. Be sure to explain Where is the pain and who is feeling it?
5. Briefly describe the outcome you hope to acheive. The outcome is the improvement people will experience, not just the solution you may have in mind.
6. Click the Save my proposal idea button.
7. You can edit your proposal idea at any time.

Please keep these points in mind:

• Your description of the problem and outcomes is just a starting point for the team. Your team will discuss this issue, improve their understanding, and explore ways to achieve the desired outcomes.
• You need to keep an open mind so don't start out with a preconceived solution.
• The person that suggests a proposal has no more power or influence than any other team member. Proposals are a collaborative team effort.

Click this link to suggest a proposal.

Complete this form to submit your proposal idea.