Contact Your MP

The best legislative influence comes from well informed, concerned farming families communicating their concerns with their elected representatives through correspondence and personal visits.  This includes the common voice of the many through your state farm organisation, the NSW Farmers' Association; plus individual farming families writing in their own words to their state and federal MP, or possibly visiting their local MP in their community or even speaking with their local media organisation about the issues which concern them.

The role of a Member of Parliament

Your local MP has responsibilities to three main groups: their constituents, the Parliament and their political party.

One MP is elected to Parliament for each of the 93 State electorates and their duties in Parliament include participating in debates, voting on legislation and other matters.  As well they may also be assigned to a Committee to examine legislation or issues of interest to the community.  MPs can assist their constituents by advising on problems with government departments and representing the concerns of their constituents in Parliament through speeches and questions with and without notice. 

It is often best to contact your MP first in writing either by letter, fax or e-mail.  In written correspondence you can explain clearly the issue in detail so that your MP can carefully consider your concerns.  Here we provide you with tips on how to write at letter your local MP, tips on how to plan and make a visit to your local MP and tips on how to phone your MP’s office to voice your opinion on a Bill or issue before the Parliament.

 Tips

 Who Represents You

Writing your local MP, MLC or a Minister
 
Visiting your local MP or Member of the Upper House
 
Phoning your MP or Member of the Upper House
Telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the Member of Parliament.  Ask to speak with the advisor who handles the issue you wish to discuss.  After identifying yourself as a constituent, tell the advisor you would like to leave a brief message, such as “Please tell [Name] that I support/oppose [Bill name].”

State your reasons for your support or opposition to the Bill.  Ask for your MPs position on the Bill.  You may also request a written response to your telephone call.

Australians are represented in two Houses of Parliament:

 Federally: the Senate and the House of Representatives
 State: the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly

Find your Federal MP’s address and phone number

Find your Federal Senator’s address and phone number

What Federal electorate am I in?

Find your State MP’s address and phone number

What NSW electorate am I in?