On Saturday 19 March 2016, Queenslanders will be asked to have their say at a referendum on whether or not they support fixed four-year terms for the Queensland Parliament.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, is supporting the referendum because of the benefits associated with four-year fixed terms.

“Currently, we have non-fixed three-year terms of government. Typically, elections are held roughly every three years, though the timing of the election is determined by the party holding government,” Mr Ryan said.

“If a majority of voters back the move, it will mean Queenslanders are no longer caught by surprise, with snap elections held at what may be opportune times for the Premier and Government of the day, but inconvenient for the voters and businesses of Queensland.”

If the referendum is passed, state elections will be set down for the last Saturday of October, starting the election after next.

Mr Ryan said that certainty around the date when an election is to be held has benefits that reach well beyond voters knowing when they are next off to the polls.

“It will also provide the certainty that is vital to Queensland’s economic performance, with the longer fixed-term of government allowing for better planning by both government and the private sector, boosting business confidence and economic activity,” Mr Ryan said.

The business sector and economy in general stand to benefit from the improved stability and greater certainty brought about by a longer parliamentary term.

Importantly, there will be safeguards that provide for the calling of an early election in extraordinary circumstances, for example if a future premier loses the confidence of the Legislative Assembly before the four-year term expires.

The introduction of fixed four-year terms will bring Queensland into line with the majority of the other Australian jurisdictions.

All other states and territories in Australia have four-year terms for their lower house, and all of them, with the exception of Tasmania, have fixed terms.

It will also bring the state level into line with local government in Queensland, which has fixed four-year terms.

Mr Ryan said that the proposal has the support of unions, business groups and the community in general as well as the bipartisan support of the Queensland Parliament.

“More certainty, stability and less politics for Queensland – that’s something we can all agree on,” Mr Ryan said.