Once a petition has closed for signatures it has to be presented by an MP to the rest of their colleagues in the House of Representatives.
It’s then referred to a select committee: a smaller group of MPs from different parties who meet to work on specific subjects like health, finance or the environment.
Those committees can ask the petitioner to appear before them in person, over the phone or video conference to give more information about their request.
Remove the right to silence
Scott Guthrie from Transforming Justice Foundation speaks to the Justice Committee about his petition
Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox