The Future of the Constituency MP

The last several decades have seen the role of the traditional ‘constituency MP’ change dramatically. With constituents’ expectations growing inexorably while political parties’ membership have shrunk, MPs from across the political spectrum have had to become more ‘professional’ and to rely ever more on their own professional staff. Facing reduced partisan identification and increased electoral volatility they have also had to work ever harder to maintain their link with the constituency.

Representative, legislator, campaigner, fundraiser, mental health supporter, social media marketer, legal and compliance officer, volunteer coordinator, HR manager, there seems to be no end of roles the contemporary MP performs!

Examining these changes, this seminar brings together academic experts and some of Queensland’s most longstanding representatives to discuss how the role of the constituency MP has changed as well as how voters, parties, and MPs themselves can prepare for the waves of change – from the impact of AI to the rising tide of online abuse – that will shape MPs' roles in the future.

Confirmed participants include:

· Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Member for Sandgate

· Ms Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday

· Dr Pandanus Petter, Griffith University and winner of the 2022 ASPG-Q Parliamentary Scholarship Prize

Date: Monday, 22 July 2024

Time: 5:30pm (doors open at 5:15pm)

Location: Parliament House

Cost: $15 or free for ASPG-Q Members.

For more information, including how to join ASPG-Q please see our website or contact the Secretary at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Australasian Study of Parliament Group - Queensland