The LNP’s common-sense proposals to review the state’s electoral redistribution process after 30 years has been rejected by Labor with the support of Speaker Peter Wellington.
Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s move against the LNP’s Electoral (Redistribution Commission) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015 was a blow for regional Queenslanders and their hard working MPs.
“Unfortunately they’ve once again demonstrated they will put their desire to cling to power before the interests of the people of Queensland,” Mr Walker said.
“For the Premier to claim no MPs from rural and remote seats had complained they had any difficulty getting around their electorates is a complete cop-out.
“We heard the pleas from the Members for Gregory, Warrego, Mt Isa, Dalrymple, Hinchinbrook and Southern Downs as to how their electorates were hurting, but the Premier and her Attorney-General have their heads in the sand.
“For Labor to claim letterbox dropping in a high-rise at Redcliffe is just as hard as having to sleep in the car between remote rural townships proves just how out of touch they are with regional Queensland.”
Mr Walker said Labor had ignored the recommendations of the Electoral and Administrative Review Commission (EARC) in 1990, borne from the Fitzgerald Inquiry.
“The Fitzgerald electoral reform process recommended in 1991 that there be seven-year periodic reviews of the constitution of the house. That was almost 25 years ago,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has also denied Queenslanders a stronger say in the redistribution process to ensure they receive the best outcomes for their communities.
“The Premier and her government are holding Queensland back from being fairly and effectively represented.
“It’s now clear only the LNP realises the challenges involved in representing both regional and urban electorates.”