They can only respond to your concerns when they are informed of them. The quality of their response will be greatly improved if you make them realise that you care how they vote on issues all the time. The best way to do this is to make an appointment and to attend with your family or concerned groups. The next best thing is to write. The following advice is on how best to make your voice heard. That is, how to get your letter read. A good letter is generally dealt with seriously and can be followed up by all interested parties. As a rule of thumb a letter reads as equal to 10 votes. A personal interview reads to politicians as equal to 50 votes.

Address

The title "Honourable" might stick in your throat, but it is formal and has the advantage of being correct and "appropriate". Commonwealth and Victorian Ministers are titled "The Honourable…" They retain this title for life.

The Westminister protocol requires that if you have a query of a Minister, you should write both to that person and to your local politician - who is then required to pursue when requested, a satisfactory response from that minister for you, their electorate member.

For local officials

Write care of the city, town or shire council; addresses can be found in the White Pages, as can local, state and Federal politicians electoral offices.

Identify

Identify yourself and the relevant electorate in which you vote.

Specify

Write/type legibly. Don’t ramble: point form lists are often best (politicians might think they are too busy to read long letters). If you are corresponding about specific legislation give the name and number of the Bill or Act if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you. Remember, quality, not quantity counts.

Write early, write often

Write while the issue is current and post your letter immediately. Timeliness is as important as content.

Explain

Say, in your own words, how the legislation will affect you as a tax payer, worker, parent, consumer or in some other capacity. Urge your representative to make amendments that will lessen the negative effects.

Tell them it affects the way you vote.

Don’t threaten or abuse

Remember that a good letter is read and often duplicated for others.

Request

Request (don’t demand) a response in writing, and an indication of the politicians own views on the issue.

Sign

Sign your letters. Anonymous letters lack credibility.

Follow Up

Follow up whenever possible with a personal appointment with the politician at their office – don’t be fobbed off and still ‘request’ in a determined fashion a written response (if there are several of you do not form a delegation – each make your own appointment).

In conclusion