In a blow to the Palaszczuk Government’s plans to dramatically change the current local government voting system by introducing measures such as compulsory preferential voting, the poll found that over seven in ten electors were satisfied with the current system.

The current system gives them the option of voting for their most preferred candidates and not having to number every square.

The Colmar Brunton poll, commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland, also found that most Queenslanders rated local councils more trustworthy than either the federal or state governments.

The poll surveyed more than 1200 people across Queensland between 28 February and 5 March.

The poll’s findings show that there was no good reason for the Government to make changes to the system of electing local councils in Queensland.

Seven out of 10 voters in Queensland do not want these changes because they are happy with the way the current system of optional preferential voting operates.

Forcing people to number every square in council elections is a solution to a problem that does not exist.

The poll found that while trust amongst Brisbane residents is high for both local council and state government, a higher proportion of Brisbane residents indicate trust for their local council.

Trust in state government is lower outside the southeast corner of the state than it is in Brisbane, while trust in the federal government is low across the board, according to the poll.

It also found there was strong support for campaign spending caps in local council elections, but a lack of support for public funding of election campaigns.

Mark Jamieson

LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Mayor 

It’s disappointing that Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Energy Minister have been out and about this week spreading fake news throughout Queensland about electricity prices.

The Queensland Competition Authority report last week was only a draft.

In fact, the report said, “It is important to note that the QCA's draft determination will not affect customer bills.

"The prices discussed in our draft determination are indicative only.”

Labor need to stop spreading their lies around Queensland and start telling the truth.

Only the LNP have a real plan that will reduce electricity prices in regional Queensland.

Our plan will increase retail competition and allow customers to shop around and save $300 a year.

That is the same deal that south-east Queensland residents have and we think regional Queenslanders shouldn’t be left out.

It’s a plan that is backed by Labor’s own electricity pricing inquiry and recommended by the Queensland Productivity Commission.

Rather than misrepresenting draft reports, Annastacia Palaszczuk should simply work with the LNP and back our plan.

Regional Queenslanders shouldn’t have to wait until the next state election for real relief from skyrocketing electricity bills.

Michael Hart

LNP Shadow Minister for Energy