Daylight savings in Queensland has historically been resisted by much of the state's regions for a variety of reasons (
Strong resistance against daylight saving: Labor - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)). In Australia, the Bligh Government will be debating the Daylight Saving for South East Queensland Bill in early 2011. There is even a political party to
petition for the introduction of daylight savings in Qld (
DS4SEQ - Daylight Saving For South East Queensland Party).
Proposed reasons for opposing daylight savings in Qld, outlined in this article:
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/dlsinqld, centre on the 'fading curtains' phenomenon (petty issue), decreased dairy productivity (contentious) and an increased risk of skin cancer (an important issue in Qld). This article makes evidence for skin cancer prevention plainly:
Daylight saving and skin cancer in Queensland, and other articles present the case against the idea:
Why is Brisbane afraid of the dark?,
Daylight saving and evening lifestyle Queensland,
Daylight saving and progress Queensland
Reasons in support of daylight savings in Qld are centred on apparent energy consumption savings (I wonder whether savings in lighting would counter consumption in air conditioning - we are talking about the sunniest and hottest state in Australia), a claimed decrease in road fatalities (up to 30% according to the political party above) and more sunlight in the day to encourage outdoor time.
After 2 referendums on the issue, the state is still averse the change that was implemented in all other eastern Australian states and the ACT in 1971. There are a number of arguments for the change, such as NSW/Qld border business conveniences and the idea of 'if you can't beat them, join them'. However a review of the Qld Government DST Research report in 2007 portrays a different story on attitudes towards Daylight Saving in the state (
http://www.nodaylightsavingqld.com/review2.htm).
This
executive summary, produced by a consultant for the Premier's department, reports a representative poll on the topic. It shows the polarised opinions between the generally supportive south-east corner of the state, and the strongly resistant rest of the state.
I personally see no need for DST in Qld, but won't be keeling over any time soon if it were implemented in Qld this year. I'd much rather see the rural areas not be disadvantaged by any changes, however, and for the sake of an hour's difference there should be no problem with Qld having its own time zone in the summer months.
I'd like to know from others in Australia what their opinion on the topic is, and what the arguments are for and against the concept in Queensland. I'd also like to hear from those in geographically vast countries such as the US and Russia, to find out how they have been managing with doing business domestically over multiple time zones - is it really a big deal? And I'd also like to hear from those in countries that do business internationally, where time zones are crossed between businesses.
Last edited by Ash; 01-03-2011 at 11:48 AM.