It’s that time of year again—no, not daylight saving time, but the annual debate over whether Queensland should finally join the rest of the east coast in turning the clocks forward. As much of the country prepares to ‘spring forward’ into longer evenings, Queenslanders are left to ponder if it’s time to re-open the conversation on daylight saving.

For decades, the Sunshine State has been famously resistant to the idea. Back in 1992, a state referendum saw over 54% of Queenslanders vote against the change, citing reasons from concerns about increased heat during summer evenings to the impact on farming communities. But as times change, so do opinions. In recent years, more people—especially those in the southeast, where Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast thrive—are starting to question if it’s time to reconsider.

University of Queensland academic and pro-daylight saving campaigner Dr Thomas Sigler cited his latest research showing 66 per cent of Queenslanders were in favour of the time change.

With the shift toward flexible work hours, the rise of remote work, and a growing urban population, the call for daylight saving has taken on a new dimension. Many argue that longer evenings would benefit businesses, boost tourism, and improve work-life balance by allowing more time for outdoor activities after work.

But it’s not just city dwellers who are part of the conversation. Residents in Queensland’s northern and western regions remain sceptical, as their days already enjoy longer hours of sunlight. In these areas, the perception is that daylight saving would disrupt daily life, making it harder for those in agriculture and other industries to manage schedules.

With a state election looming, Premier Steven Miles and opposition leader David Crisafulli have both ruled out revisiting daylight savings any time soon, despite research revealing most Queenslanders support having the extra hour of sunshine.

There is talk of a possible trial run, similar to the one in 1989, which saw Queensland test daylight saving for three summers before the public voted it down. Advocates argue that a new trial would allow modern Queenslanders to experience the benefits first-hand before deciding.

One thing is certain, the daylight saving debate in Queensland is as divisive as ever. Ask around, and you’ll likely find as many people cheering for those extra daylight hours as you will those dreading the idea of sun-drenched evenings stretching even longer. In a state as vast and diverse as Queensland, it’s no surprise that finding a one-size-fits-all solution is tricky.