Dumped LNP minister Chris Davis quits politics

THE scrapping of caps on political donations and changes to anti-corruption were blamed by Chris Davis for quitting politics.

THE scrapping of caps on political donations and changes to the anti-corruption watchdog by the ­Newman government was yesterday blamed by dumped assistant health minister Chris Davis for his decision to quit politics.

Dr Davis, who this year repeatedly threatened to cross the floor on legislation before voting with the government, announced he would resign without serving out his first term as the member for the Brisbane seat of Stafford.

Premier Campbell Newman, who sacked Dr Davis from the frontbench for breaching “cabinet solidarity’’ this month, said he ­already had two candidates in mind to run in the by-election, which is yet to be scheduled.

Dr Davis announced his resignation on his electorate website after missing the vote on Thursday night that saw the passage of ­controversial legislation that scraps the cap on political donations and lifts the thresholds for public declarations on donations from $1000 to $12,600.

The laws also now require voters to prove their identities at the ballot box, in a move that some critics believe will lower the turnout among the poor and Aboriginal population.

Earlier this month, Dr Davis had also voiced opposition to the introduction of contracts for ­doctors in public hospitals and changes to the Crime and ­Misconduct Commission, which removed the requirement for bipartisan support for any new ­appointment to head the ­watchdog.

“The passage of recent government legislation affecting critical aspects of our democracy goes contrary to my value system and that of the majority of my ­electorate,’’ Dr Davis said in his statement. “I would never have stood for parliament on such a platform, nor do I believe I would have been elected.

“My sacking has been a catalyst. It is sadly no longer possible for me to effectively represent my electorate in such an environment, despite my best endeavours.’’

Mr Newman also dismissed an automated poll, commissioned by Dr Davis, which indicated that the constituents in Stafford believed the government was out of touch.

He said the poll questions were misleading.

“We have no problem with members speaking out on ­occasions when they are passionate about things,” Mr Newman said.

“The LNP is a team that ­permits people to cross the floor and (Dr Davis) could have done that last night.”