Being a YourSay Panel member
The YourSay Panel is a way for Canberrans to have their say and help government deliver better services, programs and policies for the community.
Members share their views by completing online surveys about a range of topics, decisions or programs that affect how we live in the ACT.
The panel is another way for the ACT Government to listen to the community. It helps us make sure our decisions reflect what the community thinks.
Check if you can join
You can join the panel if:
- you live in the ACT
- you’re 16 years or over.
More than one person from each ACT household can join the YourSay Panel.
If you work for the ACT Government or Legislative Assembly, you and your family can join but cannot accept any prizes from completing surveys.
Current elected members of the ACT Legislative Assembly cannot join the panel.
Join the YourSay panel
When you join, you'll complete a questionnaire about yourself.
You’ll provide your:
- name (with the option of using a pseudonym)
- suburb
- age range
- email address
- information about your household.
We use this information to:
- make sure the panel includes a range of people from the ACT community
- prioritise activities for specific groups
- better understand the views and opinions of different groups.
Taking part in research
You’ll receive an email invitation to take part in one or two activities each month.
You’ll usually have a few days to one week to:
- complete an online survey
- accept an invitation to take part in other activities, like an online discussion forum.
Time commitment expected of members
We expect you to take part in at least one engagement activity every 12 months.
There is no set length for membership.
Accessing the panel website
To access the panel website, you’ll need one of the following browser versions:
- Internet Explorer 11 or later
- Microsoft Edge current major version
- Chrome current or previous major version
- Safari, current and previous major version
- Firefox, current and previous major version
Read the YourSay Panel website terms of use.
Rewards for being a panel member
After you complete a survey, you’ll get an entry into a prize draw (or lottery) if you’re eligible.
The maximum value of any single prize is $1,000.
Each month we’ll offer 5 prizes worth up to $100 each. Prizes will vary each month. You’ll receive one entry for every activity you complete.
We’ll publish the surname of prize winners on the member’s hub, if we have permission.
To see current competitions, visit the YourSay Panel members' prize draw terms and conditions.
Keeping you up to date on research results
We’ll let you know about the results of activities you’ve participated in. You’ll get regular reports by email, and you can also find reports in the member’s hub. You can read past reports at YourSay Panel survey reports.
We'll summarise and de-identify (remove information that can identify you) all findings we share. We may also share what we learn with the Canberra community on an ACT Government website.
How we use and store your personal information
The Panel Privacy Notice and CMTEDD Privacy Policy explains how we may use, store and share your personal information.
Your personal information will be stored with Alida, an overseas cloud service provider whose servers are based in Australia.
We will not use your personal information for any other purpose or share it with anyone unless the Information Privacy Act allows it.
Your responses to survey questions
Our staff will see your individual responses to surveys. However, the main use of your answers will be to combine them with others for statistical purposes.
We do not link individuals with their responses. Instead, we want to understand the views of different groups.
Support
On the member login page, choose the ‘Forgot password’ link under the ‘sign in’ button. If you have any trouble, contact support@yoursaypanel.act.gov.au.
To change your email address:
- Log in to the YourSay Panel.
- Update your email address in ‘My Profile’.
Check your junk email folder. To stop emails from us going into your junk folder, you can adjust your settings to allow emails from the domain act.gov.au. If you are still not receiving emails, contact support@yoursaypanel.act.gov.au.
You can cancel your membership by either:
- removing yourself in the ‘My profile’ section in the YourSay Panel members hub
- clicking the ‘Unsubscribe’ link at the bottom of each email you receive from the Panel.
Who manages the panel
The ACT Government is assisted by a cloud service provider, Alida AU Pty (Alida) to manage the panel.
Administration access to the panel is restricted to authorised:
- Alida representatives
- ACT Government staff from the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD).
Staff who conduct research and engagement activities through the panel website are trained and familiar with:
- the requirements of the Research Society Code of Professional Behaviour.
- all laws that apply to the tasks they perform.
Make a complaint
You can complain about staff who are members of the Research Society if you believe they have:
- breached the Research Society Code of Professional Behaviour
- failed to comply with the Constitution or Regulations of the Research Society
- engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to Research Society.
For help to make a complaint, contact the Research Society toll free on 1300 364 832 or the online form.
To make a privacy complaint, email CMTEDDCorporate@act.gov.au or call +61 2 6207 8175.