What is a petition?
What is an e-petition?
How to sign an e-petition?
How to create a profile?
How to change your password?
How to request an e-petition?
What happens once an e-petition expires?
Petitioning is one of the traditional forms by which citizens can have their say on issues affecting them. A petition is a formal request signed by at least one person, however most petitions gather as many signatures as possible to show strong support for the request. The signed petition is then placed before a relevant body with the object of persuading the body to take some particular action. For example, a petition may request the upgrading of a dangerous traffic intersection.
The personal details provided on the Petitions Queensland website by both petitioners and persons signing petitions, forms part of the public record. The service is not anonymous and the accuracy of personal details will be checked if necessary.
As well as the traditional paper petition, a petition can now be started or signed online. These are called e-petitions. An e-petition is simply a traditional petition submitted in an electronic format. E-petitions enables petitioners to access a broader target audience, constantly monitor the number of signatures both for and against the issue and the ability to easily collate signatures.
Petitions Queensland enables community members to respond to an e-petition online by registering their personal details and selecting their chosen response (support or opposition of the petition).
To sign an e-petition, simply click on the petition and select either to support or oppose via the green tick or the red cross. You will then be prompted to read and accept the Terms and Conditions for using the website. Ensure you read these terms thoroughly before accepting via the check box at the bottom of the page. Once you have accepted the Terms and Conditions you are required to log into Petitions Queensland using your email address and password. If you have not already set up an account with Petitions Queensland refer to the next help topic - How to create a profile?
For users with an existing profile, simply enter your email address and verification key (password) into the boxes provided and click login. (If you have forgotten your password, click on the forgotten password link and fill in the details to have your password emailed to you). Once you have entered your login details your signature will be added to the e-petition with your initials and suburb published (eg: RJ Newstead).
Once you are logged into Petitions Queensland you are able to sign numerous e-petitions without having to re-enter your details. If another person wishes to sign a petition, click on the logout link and have them create their own profile. Petitions Queensland will not allow you to sign a petition twice. Please remember it is fraudulent to represent yourself as someone else, whether that be as any other real or imaginary person.
To create a new profile on Petitions Queensland simply click on the petition you wish to sign and select either to support or oppose via the green tick or the red cross. You will then be prompted to read and accept the Terms and Conditions for using the website. Ensure you read these terms thoroughly before accepting via the check box at the bottom of the page.
Once you have accepted the Terms and Conditions click on the link 'Create a Profile". You will then be prompted to enter your name and email address. Ensure you enter an active and current email address as your verification key will be forwarded to this address. Once you have received your verification key via your email inbox, enter it into the box supplied. After your key has been accepted you are required to enter your personal details including your full name and address. These details will be made available to the petitioner, however, only your initials and suburb will be published on the website (eg: RJ Newstead).
Once you have created your profile you are able to simply enter your email address and verification key (password) into the boxes provided and click login.
When you first register with Petitions Queensland you are issued with a verification key (password) to access your profile. However, the password is computer generated and difficult to memorise. To ensure users are able to remember their password, Petitions Queensland allows you to change it. Simply click on the link provided in your welcome email or visit www.onlineopinion.com.au/profile/.
Requesting an e-petition is a three step process. Firstly the petitioner must gain the support of a Queensland Councillor. Secondly, petitioners' personal details and supporting councillor details need to be entered along with the exact wording of the petition. Finally, the petition's legitimacy and support is checked through an approval process prior to publication on the website.
STEP 1: Approach a Queensland Councillor to support your e-petition. Before a petition can be submitted online via Petitions Queensland, the petitioner must first gain the support of a Queensland Councillor. This can be done by simply contacting your local council via telephone or email and then asking to speak with a relevant Councillor. This process ensures the integrity, accuracy and relevance of each e-petition.
STEP 2: Click on the tab 'Request a Petition' via the Petitions Queensland website at www.petitionsqld.com.au.
Enter your personal details and the exact wording of your e-petition in the relevant fields. Ensure you include the following important details:
Be clear and concise with your message and read over it carefully prior to submission.
STEP 3: Once your petition has been submitted the question being asked must be endorsed through a resolution of council. The councillor you have nominated will be asked by us to do this on your behalf. You will be notified as soon as possible as to whether your petition has been approved or rejected by council. If your petition is approved it will appear on the website until it expires.
All expired e-petitions are removed from the Current Petitions section and are stored under Historical Petitions. The details of a completed petition become the property of the supporting councillor's council and full petition details will be sent to council. If a petitioner requires these details they must contact the relevant council.
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