QLD electoral map smashed
The re-drawing of Queensland’s electoral map could trigger an early election.
Boundaries have been changed across the state as part of the biggest recalibration of seats in decades, with 19 new or renamed electorates including four extra seats across the state as proposed by the Redistribution Commission.
The change means some sitting MPs would have to move to new electorates to seek re-election.
The new boundaries are explained in detail, here.
Objections to the draft changes can be raised from Monday, with the final boundary changes set to be locked in by June.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has indicated that an election ill be held after the new boundaries are in place.
“It is my clear intention that we will fight the next election on those new boundaries, which includes the additional seats,” she said.
The electoral rolls would have to be rewritten after the redistribution as well, which would push the date for the poll back into September at the earliest.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls called on Ms Palaszczuk to the speculation over a new election date.
“We voted for fixed four-year terms. If it was good enough when you voted on it, why isn't it good enough as a principle now to come out and set the election date?” Mr Nicholls said.