QUEENSLAND Premier Anna Bligh again hosed down speculation of an early election yesterday, saying she wanted voters to be able to digest next month's flood commission report before heading to the polls.
As the Bligh cabinet met for the first time this year to sign off on a radical overhaul of Queensland Health, the Premier said she was keen for Queenslanders to have time to assess the findings of the final flood report, The Australian Financial Review reports.
"I'd certainly want Queenslanders to know what the flood inquiry says before they make their assessment at the ballot box," Ms Bligh said.
"I think the most desirable outcome is for people to see it first." The Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry is due to be handed down on February 24. It delivered an interim report on August 1 last year, dealing with flood preparedness so recommended actions could be carried out before the 2012 wet season.
The Premier's comments suggest an election is unlikely to be called this week for a February 18 poll. The government's three-year term is up in March but an election could be held as late as mid-June.
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