The first sitting of Queensland Parliament for 2026, saw the return of undemocratic politics seen pre-Christmas with urgency motions again used by government to stifle debate on non- urgent though controversial legislation, including on youth justice and political donations. In addition, prevented Queenslanders being able to have their say by not supporting the seeking of leave for a Motion Without Notice put forward by a cross bench member.
Sandy Bolton, Independent MP for Noosa, in her speech on government’s Electoral Reform Amendments said it was an “opportunity for real reform squandered, and the antithesis of what Queenslanders seek.”
Ms Bolton said, “The opposition, when in government, allowed unions to donate but banned property developers. This week, under the guise of ‘restoring fairness’, the government brought property developers and others back to potential electoral influence, instead of banning all as South Australia has done.”
She continued, “This legislation was pushed through against all evidence and opposition, including by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) who warned the bill increases risks of actual or perceived corruption, and was against the consensus of Queenslanders who oppose vested interests influencing decision making, including in Noosa where a recent poll saw 94% of respondents against the lifting of developer bans.”
The timing of this legislation has raised questions with the announcement last week by government of a Land Activation Program which will see the release of under-utilised state owned land sold to property developers, without a requirement for affordable housing provisions.
“With our ongoing housing crisis still critical, and improvement nowhere in sight, that publicly owned land will not be utilised for our worker families who cannot afford the $1m plus to get even a 2 bed unit in SEQ anymore, beggars’ belief. This land could be used to address the needs of Queenslanders who are not eligible for social housing due to earning over the outdated income threshold, as well to ensure businesses have the workers they need” Ms Bolton said.
For more information including Noosa MP speeches to the legislation, as well an Adjournment speech in the first 2026 sitting week on housing inaction, head to www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches/
