Published Wednesday, 27 February, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Bligh welcomes bipartisan support for a referendum on four-year fixed terms for Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh tonight welcomed the bipartisan support of her proposal for a referendum on Queensland moving to four year fixed parliamentary terms.
“At 6.35 this evening the Queensland Parliament bit the bullet, unanimously voting to support my referendum proposal,” the Premier said.
“We now have an extraordinary opportunity to bring greater certainty to the Queensland parliamentary system.
“This gives the Queensland people a chance to make the most significant reform to the parliamentary system in 86 years.
“When I became Premier I made a commitment to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the job.
“I believe Queenslanders will welcome the opportunity to modernise and reform their parliament.
“It will be in the community’s hands, there will be no change without public support.
“The introduction of four year terms will bring Queensland into line with all other States and Territories and local government in the State. An agreement to make the term fixed will bring improved certainty and remove any perception of politics in the timing of elections.
“Other sound reasons for the change include:
• it allows for long-term planning
• enhances business confidence
• cost savings
• it brings Queensland into line with other States and local government in Queensland.
“I will consult the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Independents on the timing and content of the referendum question,” Ms Bligh said.
History of referendums –
Queenslanders have participated in seven State-sponsored referendums since the establishment of the Queensland Parliament.
In 1991 a referenda on Four-Year Parliamentary Terms failed – after a split between the National and Liberal Parties with the Nationals failing to support the referendum.
Other jurisdictions
NSW four year fixed terms
Victoria four year terms with three years fixed
South Australia four year terms with three years fixed
ACT four years fixed
WA, Tasmania and the Northern Territory all have four year, unfixed terms.
All councils in Queensland four year fixed terms
Wednesday February 27, 2008
Media contact – Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“At 6.35 this evening the Queensland Parliament bit the bullet, unanimously voting to support my referendum proposal,” the Premier said.
“We now have an extraordinary opportunity to bring greater certainty to the Queensland parliamentary system.
“This gives the Queensland people a chance to make the most significant reform to the parliamentary system in 86 years.
“When I became Premier I made a commitment to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the job.
“I believe Queenslanders will welcome the opportunity to modernise and reform their parliament.
“It will be in the community’s hands, there will be no change without public support.
“The introduction of four year terms will bring Queensland into line with all other States and Territories and local government in the State. An agreement to make the term fixed will bring improved certainty and remove any perception of politics in the timing of elections.
“Other sound reasons for the change include:
• it allows for long-term planning
• enhances business confidence
• cost savings
• it brings Queensland into line with other States and local government in Queensland.
“I will consult the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Independents on the timing and content of the referendum question,” Ms Bligh said.
History of referendums –
Queenslanders have participated in seven State-sponsored referendums since the establishment of the Queensland Parliament.
In 1991 a referenda on Four-Year Parliamentary Terms failed – after a split between the National and Liberal Parties with the Nationals failing to support the referendum.
Other jurisdictions
NSW four year fixed terms
Victoria four year terms with three years fixed
South Australia four year terms with three years fixed
ACT four years fixed
WA, Tasmania and the Northern Territory all have four year, unfixed terms.
All councils in Queensland four year fixed terms
Wednesday February 27, 2008
Media contact – Premier’s Office – 3224 4500