Current Policy in Queensland

Queensland's current electoral system has led to decades of policy decisions that have had a range of outcomes, some of which have proven controversial. This page aims to present these policies in a neutral manner, and then highlight how proponents of MMP suggest it may address these issues.

Examples of Policy Issues in Queensland

1. Housing Affordability

• The Issue: Queensland has experienced significant increases in housing prices and rents. Some suburbs in Brisbane have experienced sharp rises in property values and rentals, leading to housing stress and rising homelessness.
• Impact: Younger generations are facing difficulties getting into home ownership. Renters are facing high costs and insecure housing.
• MMP Considerations: It has been suggested by proponents of MMP that a more representative parliament may balance policies that currently prioritize real estate investment over housing affordability.

2. Mining Royalties

• The Issue: Historically, Queensland’s coal royalty rates have been low compared to other global mining regions. While recent reforms have increased royalty rates, the state missed out on billions of dollars during previous mining booms.
• Impact: Underfunding of schools, hospitals, and public services, particularly in regional areas.
• MMP Considerations: Proponents of MMP suggest a more representative parliament may ensure a fairer distribution of Queensland’s resource wealth.

3. Privatization of Essential Services

• The Issue: Key assets, including electricity infrastructure, have been privatized.
• Impact: High electricity prices for consumers and small businesses.
• MMP Considerations: Some proponents claim that more diverse representation may provide stronger oversight, and prevent decisions driven solely by short-term financial gains.

4. Climate Policy

• The Issue: Queensland's reliance on coal mining has hindered the state’s transition to renewable energy, despite having significant solar and wind resources.
• Impact: High per-capita emissions, with potential long-term economic and environmental impacts.
• MMP Considerations: It is suggested by proponents of MMP that a broader range of voices in parliament may push for forward-looking climate policies that leverage the state’s renewable potential.

5. Education Inequality

• The Issue: There are significant funding disparities between public schools in low-income and rural areas and private schools.
• Impact: Unequal opportunities for students based on their location and socio-economic status.
• MMP Considerations: Proponents suggest that a fairer electoral system may amplify underrepresented voices, potentially leading to more equitable investment in public education.

6. Water Resource Management

• The Issue: Queensland's role in the Murray-Darling Basin has been marked by concerns about over-extraction and poor water allocation policies.
• Impact: Environmental degradation, and conflicts among farmers, conservationists, and industries.
• MMP Considerations: Proponents of MMP suggest diverse representation may lead to better resource management policies that balance environmental, agricultural, and community needs.

Potential for MMP

Queensland’s current electoral system tends to produce majority governments. Proponents of MMP suggest that it could lead to a parliament that:

1. Represents Everyone: It is suggested that more voices could lead to policies that reflect the interests of all Queenslanders.
2. Ensures Accountability: Proponents claim that more diverse parties may hold each other more accountable, reducing the risk of unchecked policymaking.
3. Fosters Long-Term Thinking: It is suggested that coalition-building may encourage collaboration and more sustainable decision-making.

Learn More

Explore how MMP could create a fairer, more effective democracy:

• Why MMP for Queensland
• Potential Features
• International Examples