How to make a submission

A submission is an opportunity to present speech-language therapy insights, views and opinions on issues impacting ourselves, clients and the world.

The following writing guidelines will help you when submitting:

1. Write clearly and structure your message to make it an easy read.
2. State clearly what the submission is about.
3. State clearly who the submission is from.
4. State whether you want to appear before a select committee (if the submission is for a select committee).
5. If you have the authority and are writing on behalf of an organisation, state its aims and outline background details.
6. State who has been consulted with.
7. Apply the five basic principles of clear writing: relevancy, clarity, conciseness, accuracy, and conclusion.

See the Parliamentary Information Service’s guide to writing a submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Email the NZSTA office if you want to talk with someone about writing a submission or getting more support.

FURTHER READING

• Have your say: Influencing public policy in New Zealand.  Hughes, F. and Calder, S. (2007) Wellington: Dunmore Publishers. 142 pp.   A practical guide for those wishing to understand how the New Zealand public policy process works and how to work with it effectively and gain some influence.