Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House that our current electoral system is a somewhat flawed compromise between the democratic ideal of “the sovereignty of the people” and stable, forward-looking government.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to initiate a referendum giving the people of Queensland the option to adopt the following mechanism to improve both aspects:

• 5 year fixed terms of parliament, with;
• “mid-term confirmations” at periods of 18 and 38 months, consisting of non-compulsory, computer based voting to either confirm each MP in their position, or request their potential replacement by a simple “YES / NO” question such as: “Do you support the continuation of your current MP in their position as your representative in the Queensland Parliament?”
• The member would continue in their position unless 35% or more of registered voters say “NO” and the number of “NO” votes is greater than the number of “YES” votes, in which case the MP would be put “on notice” and a by-election called.
• Where more than 35% of electorates become subject to a by-election on the above basis, a general election would be called instead.

Such a system would enhance the sovereignty of the people by encouraging MPs to pay constant attention to the views of their electorate but at the same time allow those who gain their respect and trust an extended period of time to plan and implement programs for the improvement of their electorate and State.