QLD: Split time zone plan worth asking about: Bligh

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2010
QLD: Split time zone plan worth asking about: Bligh

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says daylight saving in the
southeast is an issue that won't go away, and it's right to ask people what they think.

Independent MP Peter Wellington has introduced a private member's bill to state parliament,
proposing a referendum at the next election on daylight saving in the state's southeast
corner only.

Since then, Ms Bligh has canvassed the views of 4,000 people in an online survey, with
almost 59 per cent saying they want a trial before any referendum on the issue.

A Galaxy Poll for The Sunday Mail showed only 36 per cent of respondents supported
the idea of a split time zone, with 56 per cent opposed, and eight per cent undecided.

Ms Bligh on Monday said Queenslanders had never been asked about a split time zone
model, and it was clearly a contentious idea.

"There is a lot of concern about a southeast only proposal," she told the ABC.

But she added: "I'm very mindful that Queenslanders have never really had a say on
that split zone proposal and I want to hear what they've got to say."

She said daylight saving was an enduring issue in the southeast.

"Everywhere I go in the southeast it is the most often raised subject and people often
say to me 'why don't we just try it in the southeast'.

"Since I've been premier, the one issue in the southeast that never ever goes away
is daylight saving.

"I don't want to make up our party's mind on Peter Wellington's bill until Queenslanders
have had an opportunity to talk to me and my local members."

AAP tnf/srp

KEYWORD: DAYLIGHT

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