Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (21.4.16) on unexpected changes to Queensland’s electoral system, after the government tacked on amendments reintroducing compulsory preferential voting to the Opposition’s successful bill increasing the number of seats in Parliament.
‘Labor has won in its bid to have compulsory preferential voting restored in Queensland after blindsiding the LNP with the surprise amendment mere hours ago.
‘As a result of the support of the crossbench, Queensland will see its electorates increase by four to 93 and will have to number every box in elections.
‘The LNP had bitterly opposed the move which in kind voting conditions gives the advantage to Labor with ABC election pundit Antony Green predicting Labor would have won nine more seats at the last election if compulstory preferential voting was in place.’