WA election result fires up Qld's major parties
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Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says she will have to stem the mood for change that she says was revealed by the weekend election result in Western Australia.
Labor has failed to win a majority of seats in WA and last month only narrowly hung on to power in the Northern Territory.
Ms Bligh says there is a mood for change, and she cannot take any votes for granted.
"It will be my job to do what I can to stem the tide of change across states," he said.
Deputy LNP leader Mark McArdle says says the situation in Queensland is more difficult.
"We have a much bigger task here in Queensland - we've got to win 20 seats, 20 seats to win Government and we have to really work very hard," he said.
"I think at the end of the day we can look at WA and draw some issues from that, but this is Queensland - we are unique and our hurdle is much higher."
The poll is due in September next year and Ms Bligh says she is committed to running full term.
MP retirements
Ms Anna Bligh says long-serving MPs have heeded her calls for renewal, with two more announcing they will not contest the next state election.
Nominations for Labor Party pre-selection close today.
Queensland Education Minister Rod Welford and former Goss government minister Ken Hayward have announced they will not run again, bringing the total number of Labor retirements to five.
Ms Bligh says Mr Welford and Mr Hayward have served the community and Queensland Parliament well.
"They've both heeded my calls for renewal in the Government and I thank them for giving the Government and the party the opportunity to bring in new blood," she said.
"Both of them have made a significant contribution and have been significant players in the Government's agenda.
"I look forward to going to the election next year with a team that will have at least 10 per cent new faces in it."
