Qld term change shifts focus to Canberra

Queensland's politicians will get to stay in parliament for an extra year between elections and one influential MP reckons his colleagues in Canberra could follow suit.

Queenslanders on Saturday supported a referendum to change how long MPs serve in the state parliament - from three-year variable terms to four-year fixed terms.

The changes mean the election date will also be set for the last weekend in October on election years, instead of whatever date the government of the day decides on to gain maximum political benefit.

Although a result hasn't been officially declared, the "yes" camp, which includes both major parties, has claimed victory.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 57 per cent of the vote had been tallied, indicating 53.08 per cent of Queenslanders supported the move.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, the state's longest serving MP, said Queensland's change could also catch on in the federal sphere.

"I think success breeds success," Mr Springborg said on Monday.

"I think the best way to demonstrate and encourage adoption of a good idea is to make sure the good idea works."

The Commonwealth will now be the only government that has non-fixed three-year terms.

Every state now has fixed four-year terms, except Tasmania, which does have four-year terms, but they aren't fixed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was pleased Queenslanders supported the referendum.