Callide MP Colin Boyce explains timing of resignation and predicts when federal and by-election election will be called

The Coalition must hold on to the crucial federal electorate of Flynn if it has any chance of retaining government and the LNP’s Colin Boyce will now be solely focused on making sure that happens. See his predictions for state and federal politics.

Colin Boyce has relieved himself of his duties in the Queensland parliament and will now focus on campaigning for the LNP in an election he says could be called in a matter of days.

Hours before federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the pre-election budget, which the Coalition says will tackle cost of living and provide massive investment in regional Australia, Colin Boyce resigned as the state MP for Callide prompting questions over the timing.

While the Electoral Act states Mr Boyce did not have to resign until after the Federal Election was called, he said it was requests from the Coalition’s campaign organisers that prompted him to resign.

LNP Candidate for the Federal Seat of Flynn, Mr Colin Boyce.

Mr Boyce said he was told it was better timing to announce his resignation before the Budget, and ultimately before the election was called, to not distract from the task at hand.

In Queensland parliament on Tuesday morning, Mr Boyce thanked his colleagues and his electorate for the privilege and honour to serve.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to wish my fellow parliamentarians well,” Mr Boyce said.

“To my electorate of Callide, I thank them most earnestly for their support. Over the years it’s been an honour to serve.”

Trager MP and Katter Australian Party (KAP) leader, Robbie Katter said he was disappointed in the timing of the resignation and speculated the move was because of pressure from Canberra to avoid voting in favour of the KAP’s Environmental and Other Legislation (Reversal of Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) Amendment Bill 2021.

LNP candidate for the federal seat of Flynn and retired LNP state member for Callide, Colin Boyce, in front of the Callide power station outside Biloela in central QLD. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

A Bill it says would have removed restrictions on primary producers and not blamed the condition of the reef solely on farmers.

“Disappointing to have Colin Boyce resign from Qld parliament and not Thursday so he could vote in favour of KAP’s reef regs reversal bill tonight. Wonder if the phones might have been running hot from Canberra over the last few days?,” Mr Katter said in a tweet Tuesday.

The LNP, Labor and Greens voted against the failed Bill last night, but Mr Boyce confirmed to The Observer he would have voted with the KAP on the Bill, and against the extension of the chief health officer’s emergency powers being debated on Wednesday.

Turning his attention to the Callide by-election now required, Mr Boyce said he did not believe Queensland Speaker of the House, Curtis Pitt would call the by-election before the Federal Election and would allow “breathing room” for constituents.

Bryson Head, 26 is the young LNP candidate hoping to represent the people of Callide following Colin Boyce’s resignation. Picture: Supplied

“Given the Federal Election will likely be called within the next week, I don’t see the Speaker announcing the by-election amid the national vote,” Mr Boyce said.

“If the Federal Election is lining up for the middle of May, I believe we will be looking at a mid-June or even July by-election for the people of Callide.”

Mr Boyce would not give his predictions on the result of the by-election.

It comes as Bryson Head has been confirmed as Mr Boyce’s replacement as the LNP candidate for the seat.