MPs get lots of letters. So if you want to be effective, it’s important to make yours brief, clear and purposeful.  

Some basic tips:

Choose carefully which MP you want to target – start with your local member and consider writing to political leaders as well who have the power to do something about it;

Set out the problem briefly and clearly – if necessary, include pointers to where the MP might find more information – whether via this site or elsewhere;

Outline the action you’d like the MP to take including writing back to you with advice about what action was taken on your behalf (for example, did he/she raise the issue with other MPs in health and economic committees, as an important issue for party policy review, as a matter of importance in Parliament or as a direct question to the relevant Minister in the House);

Make sure you have the MP’s name and title right;

Write the letter in your own words – as MPs give less weight to anything looking like a form letter;

Sample of a basic letter to an MP:


(MP’s name, title and address – Go to MPs’ addresses page)


(Date)


Dear (MP’s title/name – – Go to MPs’ addresses page)

(Brief name of issue – e.g.: Deaths & diseases caused by Smoking )


I am writing to express my concern about the low level of government funding allocated  to reduce the 19,000 deaths, associated diseases and suffering caused by tobacco products  (refer details in  Background Information )

This situation could best be improved by (statement of what you’d like to see the MP do about the problem – e.g. tougher regulations, more funding for mass media campaigns, an end to all forms of tobacco advertising including point of sale)

I urge you to raise this issue with your colleagues and in the Parliament as a matter of public importance.  Can you please advise what steps you are able to take to help reduce the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia (or similar.) 

Yours sincerely



Your Signature

Name and address

Page last updated on 5/2/2002