The member for Stafford, Chris Davis, has resigned.
The LNP member for Stafford has issued his resignation to the Queensland parliament.
Chris Davis, who was dumped as assistant health minister for speaking out against the doctor contracts and the government’s Crime and Misconduct Commission amendments last week, submitted to Speaker Fiona Simpson after midnight on the last parliament sitting of the week with the letter being tabled to parliament on Friday.
The resignation came a day after he polled his constituents asking them about their opinion of the Member for Stafford as well as their opinion of Premier Campbell Newman.
On Friday Dr Davis declined to comment, saying his statement spoke for him.
On Friday afternoon Mr Newman said he was “disappointed” by Dr Davis’s resignation, which he said he learned of, just a few hours ago.
He said he had not spoken to Dr Davis but the party “as a team” had attempted to accommodate his concerns and “take on board those issues”.
“It’s a pity he feels that he hasn’t been able to deliver,” Mr Newman said.
“Because he has been able to deliver.
“…I make the point that he was offered a briefing on the electoral bill and he didn’t even make the briefing.”
Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said Dr Davis’s action was a sign of “no confidence” in the government and called on Mr Newman to call the by election immediately.
Labor has already preselected surgeon Anthony Lynham as their candidate for the electorate.
LNP dissent
Mr Newman said his party did not have a problem with dissent.
“We have tried everything that we could to accommodate his concerns, we have no problem with members of our team speaking out, on occasions where they are passionate about things.
“The LNP is a team that permits people the right to cross the floor if they so wish. And he could have done that last night, by the way.”
The premier said there was no interference to Dr Davis seeking to vote against party lines overnight.
“Not at all,” he said.
Stafford byelection
Mr Newman said he would seek advice from the Parliamentary Clerk on when a byelection could be held and he had “two people in mind” who he described as “outstanding candidates” who he would put forward to the LNP executive.
But Mr Newman said he would not be rushed.
“I want to do this properly, as we did with the previous by election, to give people time to consider the choices, to consider the very stark differences between the two teams, ” Mr Newman said.
“I also want to make sure that the people of Stafford do have proper representation. It’s that balancing act and I want to get it right.”
Poll of residents
The ReachTEL poll found the Newman government could struggle to hold the seat, with 58.4 per cent of respondents indicating an “unfavourable” opinion of Mr Newman.
Just 23.1 per cent had a favourable opinion of the Premier.
The poll found support for Mr Davis at 47.7 per cent, with 27.6 per cent neutral and 14.1 per cent unfavourable.
Almost half – 48.9 per cent – said they would be more likely to vote for Dr Davis if he ran as an independent.
Resignation letter
In a hand written note sent to Ms Simpson, Dr Davis said it had been an “honour” to serve the people of Stafford, but he felt he had to resign.
“It is with sadness that I have advised the Speaker of my resignation as the state member for Stafford,” he said.
“The passage of recent government legislation affecting critical aspects of our democracy goes contrary to my value system and that of the majority of my electorate.
“I would never have stood for Parliament on such a platform, nor do I believe I would have been elected.
“My most recent speech to Parliament offers additional insights.
“My sacking has been a catalyst. It is sadly no longer possible for me to effectively represent my electorate in such an environment, despite my best endeavours.
“I thank the people of Stafford for the opportunity to have served them. It has been an honour and a privilege, and I look forward to ongoing engagement with such a wonderful community.
“I also thank everyone who has helped and guided me on this journey, particularly my family and my electorate team.”
Lead up to resignation
Dr Davis rose in parliament on Thursday night to say he could not support elements of the government’s electoral reform amendments, particularly the increase to the donation cap limit from $1000 to $12,400.
He did not vote on the bill, or any of its amendments, instead abstaining by being absent from the chamber.
Dr Davis had previously hinted he would cross the floor over policies his constituency did not agree with.
A letter he wrote urging his fellow LNP MPs to rethink the doctors’ contracts was leaked to the media.
The ensuring controversy reignited the doctors’ campaign. Negotiations were re-started and changes made.
He remained as assistant health minister until last week, which came after Dr Davis polled his electorate on their views regarding the CMC changes.
He ended up voting for the amendments, saying he felt enough changes had been made to the original bill and many of his concerns and those of his constituents had been calmed.
But he faced criticism from both cross bench MPs and some members of the public for not “pulling the trigger”.
Dr Davis said his previous medical career and his advocacy work had prepared him for politics, but at times he expressed frustration at the lack of individual debate.
When Premier Campbell Newman sacked Dr Davis for breaking cabinet solidarity rules, he said a move to the back bench would “liberate” Dr Davis and give him the freedom to comment without fear.
The state election is not expected to be held until February or March next year.