Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has renewed the discussion around daylight saving in Queensland, proposing that southeast Queensland could adopt a separate time zone from the rest of the state.

The issue has resurfaced as daylight saving begins in several southern Australian states and territories this weekend. New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are scheduled to move their clocks forward by one hour, while Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will remain on their existing standard time.

Mr Tate has argued that southeast Queensland should be considered separately because of the region's large population and its close relationship with neighbouring New South Wales. The Gold Coast is particularly affected by the existing border arrangements, with the Queensland–New South Wales boundary running through the Gold Coast region and near Gold Coast Airport.

Under the proposal discussed by the mayor, southeast Queensland could potentially operate on daylight saving while other parts of Queensland retained the current time. He suggested a boundary around the southeast region, while acknowledging that a state-wide change has historically faced opposition.

Queensland previously conducted a daylight-saving trial between 1989 and 1992. A referendum subsequently rejected permanent daylight saving, and Queensland has continued to use standard time since then.

The debate involves practical considerations for residents, businesses and industries. Supporters of a change have pointed to longer evening daylight and potential economic benefits, while opponents have raised concerns about having different times within one state and the effect on regional communities and industries.

Mr Tate has cited economic research suggesting that Queensland's lack of daylight saving carries a significant economic cost. He has also referred to survey research indicating support for daylight saving among Queensland residents, although public views vary between metropolitan and regional areas.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has maintained opposition to changing the state's time arrangements, according to the report, saying he does not want measures that could divide Queensland.

The proposal therefore remains a matter of public and political debate rather than an announced change to Queensland's clocks. There is currently no statewide daylight-saving change scheduled for Queensland this weekend.

For Gold Coast residents, the issue has particular relevance because daily travel, business activity and social connections frequently cross the Queensland–New South Wales border. A separate time arrangement would potentially affect commuters, businesses, tourism operators, transport schedules and communication between communities on either side of the border.

Any future change would require consideration by the Queensland government and could involve a formal public process. For now, Queensland remains on standard time while the southern states and territories move to daylight saving.

The renewed proposal has placed the long-running daylight-saving debate back into the spotlight on September 30, 2026.