Pressure mounts for daylight saving poll, and this time Premier is listening

The mayors of Queensland’s two largest cities have increased pressure for daylight saving to be reintroduced in the state, marking the 30th anniversary of 1992’s failed referendum on the issue.

And, for the first time since she was elected Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk has opened the door to the prospect.

Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner has marked the 30th anniversary of Queensland’s failed daylight saving referendum by calling for another vote.Credit: Albert Perez/Getty

Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said a referendum could be held at the same time as either the next local government or state election, both of which will be held in 2024.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate, whose city was at the front line of the annual debate, backed Cr Schrinner’s calls.

“Keep politicians out of daylight savings considerations,” he said. “Let Queenslanders decide without political influence.”

Ahead of a referendum, Cr Schrinner said, a daylight saving trial should be introduced.

“An opportunity to try before you buy is a great thing, and the great thing about the 2024 opportunity is that we could have a trial next year,” he said.

“We could have a trial maybe this summer, the next summer in the 2022/2023 summer, or we could do it in the 2023/2024 summer – or even both – to give people an opportunity to see how it goes.

“... A very reasonable staged approach here that gives people the opportunity not only to theoretically consider daylight saving, but also experience it.”

Thirty years ago, the question of daylight saving was at least temporarily settled, with 54.5 per cent of Queenslanders voting against daylight saving and 45.5 per cent in favour on February 22, 1992.

Cr Schrinner said the passage of time since then meant, by his calculations, about 3 million of Queensland’s 5 million residents did not vote in that poll.

Nobody currently under the age of 48, himself included, got a say, and nor did subsequent interstate and overseas arrivals.

“By doing them together with another election, you’re not creating an extra cost of holding a standalone election, so I think it’s a reasonable proposition,” Cr Schrinner said.

“It will give those 3 million people the chance to have a say, who haven’t yet had a say, and then we can resolve this annual debate once and for all, or at least for another 30 years.”

When questioned about introducing daylight saving in the past, Ms Palaszczuk suggested New South Wales and Victoria could adopt Queensland time.

But her stance, it appeared, had softened.

A spokesman for the Premier said while daylight saving was not on her government’s agenda, that could change in the future.

“The Premier has heard the Brisbane lord mayor’s comments,” he said.

“Daylight saving is not part of the government’s plan, but the Premier is happy to hear the views of the [Local Government Association of Queensland], whose mayors represent all Queensland communities.

“It’s important the perspectives of all Queenslanders are considered.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said there had been no discussions within the government about the need for a new referendum.

Asked if advocates should admit defeat, Ms D’Ath said people “can talk about whatever they want”.

“But right now, this is not the focus of the government. It’s not a priority,” she said.

Outback MP Robbie Katter, a vocal opponent of daylight saving in Queensland, conceded the concept was popular in coastal areas, but said people in the south-east of the state should show some compassion and understanding of its impact on regional life.

“I appreciate it would make life better for people in the south-east, and I’d love to make that happen to make everyone happy, but unfortunately, there’s too great a cost on people in regional and remote areas.”

Regarding proposals for the south-east corner to adopt daylight saving, becoming an hour ahead of the rest of the state, Mr Katter said the “logical conclusion” was statehood for the north.

“I don’t think the lord mayor would welcome that because the wealth that’s created in the south-east, a lot of that comes from the activities in those areas,” he said.

“But I’m very happy to have a discussion about that, if that’s where you want to take this.”

- with Matt Dennien