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Qld voters to decide on four-year MP terms

Queensland's MPs have given bipartisan support for fixed four-year parliamentary terms, but voters will have the final say at a referendum.

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Source: AAP


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Queenslanders will next year decide whether they want fixed four-year parliamentary terms for the state's politicians.

Both sides of parliament on Friday voted for the change on the last day of sittings this year, with the final decision to be put to voters at a referendum early next year.

The state's two Katter's Australian Party (KAP) MPs, Rob Katter and Shane Knuth, were the only two MPs to vote against the move.

Queensland now has maximum three-year terms, which have been criticised for giving the premier of the day a political advantage by allowing them to set when the election will be held.

Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker, who originally introduced the bill, said the changes would ultimately benefit the state's economy.

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"In our view, longer parliamentary terms have the potential to enhance business confidence and business investment by eliminating uncertainties created by frequent elections and subsequent shifts in government policy or attitudes towards certain projects," Mr Walker said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also spoke to the merits of bringing Queensland in line with other states by introducing four-year fixed terms.

"(It) will mean Queenslanders are no longer surprised with snap elections at what may be opportune times for the premier and the government of the day, but what may be inconvenient times for the voters and businesses of Queensland," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Former Premier Campbell Newman called the last election in January, meaning the campaign was held during school holidays.

But Mr Knuth said three-year terms worked well because they helped hold governments to account in a state that didn't have an upper house.

He referred to the highly-criticised former Bligh and Newman governments as an indication of why governments shouldn't be given more time in office without a vote.

"I don't think that we could have put up (with) another year with the Newman Government declaring war with everyone, just smashing through legislation," Mr Knuth said.

The government will set the referendum date, which could coincide with council elections in March.

In 1991, a referendum to increase parliamentary terms in Queensland was narrowly defeated.


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