Why Community and Nonprofit Organisations Should Make Submissions
Making a submission is an important opportunity for community and nonprofit organisations to have their voices heard in local government decisions. As someone with nine years of experience as a city councillor, I’ve seen firsthand the value that public submissions bring to the decision-making process. The Local Government Act gives everyone in the community the right to contribute, and it’s a tool that nonprofit and community organisations should embrace.
Why Submissions Matter
Local councils make decisions that can significantly impact your community. These decisions are often based on reports from council staff, external experts, and the councillors' own knowledge. However, what can sometimes be missing is the lived experience of those directly affected by these decisions. This is where submissions come in—they provide an opportunity to share your organisation’s unique perspective and ensure that your voice is part of the conversation.
When councils hear from a broad range of perspectives, including from nonprofit organisations, it can influence the final outcome. Whether you agree or disagree with the council’s proposed actions, your input is valuable. You may even highlight something that hasn’t been considered, or bring attention to unintended consequences that could arise from a decision.
Benefits for Your Organisation
Beyond influencing council decisions, making submissions is also an excellent way to create visibility for your organisation. Engaging with the council on relevant issues is a form of networking. Over time, regular participation can establish your organisation as a trusted voice in the community. This relationship-building can lead to councils seeking your input earlier in the decision-making process.
In addition, keeping up with council discussions and decisions helps you stay informed and avoid being blindsided by changes. When you are proactive in engaging with local government, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s coming and how it might affect your work.
What Makes a Good Submission?
Be Concise and Focused: Keep your submission short and to the point. Focus on the specific issue at hand, except during long-term plan (LTP) or annual plan (AP) submissions, where you may have broader input.
Highlight the Positive: While it’s important to address areas of concern, don’t forget to acknowledge the positive aspects of the council’s actions. A balanced submission is more likely to be well-received.
Share Unique Insights: Remember that your organisation may have information the council isn’t aware of. Use your lived experience and community knowledge to provide insights that decision-makers might not otherwise have access to.
Speak Up: If given the opportunity, take it. Speaking to the council may feel daunting, but it’s a powerful way to reinforce your written submission and ensure your message is heard clearly.
Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful tool to use in your submission, especially when trying to connect with your audience on a deeper level. While facts and statistics have their place, it’s the stories we tell that make people care and remember. Overloading your message with too many stats or technical details can overwhelm and disengage listeners or readers. This is especially true for elected members who might be reading a large number of submissions. Instead, focus on crafting a narrative that illustrates your key points, using data to support—not overshadow—the human element. A well-told story can inspire, evoke emotion, and make complex information more relatable and impactful.
Submissions Build Relationships
A well-crafted submission isn’t just about influencing a single decision—it’s about building a relationship with your local council. Over time, councils may begin to recognise your organisation as a key stakeholder, and your voice may carry more weight in future discussions. By participating consistently, you not only contribute to better outcomes for the community but also increase your organisation’s visibility and credibility with decision-makers.
Final Thoughts
Making a submission might seem intimidating or time-consuming, but it’s one of the most effective ways your organisation can engage with local government. By sharing your insights and experiences, you help ensure that council decisions reflect the realities of your community. Over time, your efforts can make a significant difference—not just in individual decisions, but in how your organisation is perceived and valued by the council.
So, the next time your council opens submissions, take the opportunity to get involved. Your voice matters.