Guide for contacting local politicians
Here are three ways to get in touch with your local politicians.
1. Ring them
Calling a politician's office can be a quick and efficient way to communicate, however, you may not always reach the politician directly. But don’t be discouraged, they are your representatives! If you wish to continue the conversation further or don’t get to speak to your representative, ask if you can arrange a face-to-face meeting. As for who to contact, well that depends on many factors, so we’ve compiled a contact list here.
2. Visit in Person
Showing up at a politician's office shows that you are committed and is extremely effective. When meeting with a state or federal member, it is important to remember that they are only regular people doing a specific job, so don’t be intimidated!
3. Write to them
If ringing or turning up in person seems too daunting, you can always write to them. Whilst this isn't always as effective as the other two methods, you can still make an impact. If you write in correspondence, you should receive a response.
The guidance above was summarised from ABC News
Who can I contact about the Forgotten River?
The issue you’d like to draw attention to, and where you live, will guide who you should contact. On issues relating to the operations of Snowy Hydro, the Federal Finance and Energy Ministers can be contacted as the shareholders of the company. On water management in the Upper Murrumbidgee River, the NSW Water Minister can be contacted regarding the Snowy Water licence and rules regarding the protection of environmental water in the Upper Murrumbidgee. For regional water quality and security, your local and regional representatives are a great start, as after all, it is their river too!
Key contacts
Why would you contact them?
Federal Minister for Finance
Snowy Hydro Shareholder (Statement of Expectations and SWIOID review)
ACT Senator (Regional water quality, security and the environment)
Federal Minister for Finance
Snowy Shareholder (Statement of Expectations and SWIOID review)
NSW Minister for Lands and Water
Snowy Water Licence review
SWIOID review
Protection of water for the environment (via NSW Water Sharing Plans)
Regional water planning and security (via NSW Regional Water Strategies)
NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage
Health of rivers (via Murrumbidgee Long Term Water Plan).
ACT Senator
Regional water quality, security and the environment
Federal Member for Canberra (ACT)
Regional water quality, security and the environment
Federal Member for Bean (ACT)
Regional water quality, security and the environment
Federal Member for Fenner (ACT)
Regional water quality, security and the environment
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Regional water quality, security and the environment
ACT Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
Regional water quality, security and the environment
NSW Member for Monaro
Regional water quality, security and the environment