The Queensland Greens have repeated their calls for the introduction of fixed terms in the wake of Anna Bligh and Campbell Newman’s recent comments on the subject.
‘This should be a very uncontroversial reform to which all parties could unequivocally commit,’ said Queensland Greens spokesperson and candidate for Mt Coot-tha, Adam Stone.
‘At a time when public confidence in politicians is at such a low point, there is a whole range of reforms that should be urgently pursued to introduce greater integrity to Queensland’s democracy. Taking the political opportunism out of polling dates is the easiest and most obvious of these.’
‘The present approach means uncertainty for everyone aside from the incumbent government, it means polling dates are always chosen at a time that offers the greatest political advantage to the party in power, and it can often mean the expense and inconvenience of holding elections more frequently than the theoretical three year term.’
‘Describing it as “worthy of debate in the future”, as Mr Newman has, is a cynical way to dodge making a firm commitment. On current polling the LNP is most likely to benefit from the current system in future.’
‘With the Premier acknowledging the value of fixed terms, the LNP bemoaning the uncertainty about polling day, and with the Greens’ long-established commitment to the introduction of fixed terms, now is the time for all parties to make a firm commitment to this simple reform.’
For more information contact Adam Stone 0417 629 852
For Greens rural and regional spokesperson Jonathon Dykyj's release here