The Stafford byelection could look very different to the one held in Redcliffe if the government’s electoral reforms are put in place ahead of it.
The government, which passed a raft of electoral reforms on Thursday night, which eventually proved the straw which broke former LNP Stafford MP Chris Davis’s political back, is still consulting on other proposed changes, which could see canvassers pushed back from polling booths.
The government is considering a ban to how-to-vote canvassers, and propose to instead have the cards laid out inside polling booths, as well as increasing the distance stakeholders must stand outside the polls.
Premier Campbell Newman could not give any indication of when the Stafford byelection would be held, saying on Friday it was a “balancing act” he wanted to “get right” between constituents having representation and enough time to review the candidates.
“I want to do this properly, as we did with the previous byelection, to give people time to consider the choices, to consider the very stark differences between the two teams,” Mr Newman said.
But if the government waits until it completes its latest electoral reform consultation, which arose from an Electoral Commission Queensland report into the Redcliffe byelection in February, which Labor won with a 17 per cent swing, the earliest the poll could be held is towards the end of next month.
That would give the government time to pass its legislative amendments through the House at the next parliament sitting, scheduled for when the budget is handed down, in the first week of June.
Labor has already preselected maxillofacial surgeon Anthony Lynham to contest the seat. Mr Newman said he had two “outstanding” candidates in mind to suggest to the LNP executive.
Late Friday, most pundits were predicting a July byelection.
Mr Newman said he was “disappointed” Dr Davis chose to resign, saying he had the opportunity to vote against the elements of the electoral reforms he disagreed with on Thursday night.
Dr Davis used his speaking time during the parliamentary debate to express his concern at raising the donation declaration rate from $1000 to $12,400 saying he would not be able to support the amendment.
When the voting division was called, Dr Davis was not in the house, meaning he effectively abstained.
Standing orders for how MPs cast votes have been altered in this parliament.
Instead of moving to the corresponding side of the chamber for their vote, MPs remain in their seats and are taken to have voted in line with their party, unless they have earlier alerted their party whip that they will be voting against the party. https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/assembly/procedures/StandingRules&Orders.pdf
The change means that ‘crossing the floor’ is now not as simple.
In a statement, Dr Davis, who declined media interviews on Friday, said he did what he believed was right for his electorate.
“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.”