Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House that there is a significant imbalance between the power of elected members and their constituents in the period between general elections. Once elected, it is entirely possible for them to ignore the will of their constituents or behave in a manner of which their constituents disapprove, without any timely consequences – a situation that ought not be tolerated in a system purporting to be “democratic”.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to initiate changes to our laws of governance to allow a suitable proportion of electors in a seat to initiate a by-election within that seat in between general elections. Rules for this process would be:

1. The initiation mechanism is via an e-petition entitled, “Recall the Member for (nominated seat)” that is open for signature for a maximum period of three months.

2. It may not be initiated before nine months from the last general election have elapsed nor within 15 months from the expected date of the next general election, nor within 18 months from the most recent by-election in the seat.

3. It would be deemed successful if it is validly signed by a total of 60% of the population of electors in the seat at the time of the last general election.

4. The recalled member is allowed to stand in the by-election

It should be noted that the recall petition need not state any reason beyond it being the will of the petitioners.