Labor MP Jim Madden resigns from parliament

Queensland Labor MP Jim Madden has resigned from parliament effective immediately. He has revealed he will be running for Ipswich City Council in the March local government elections. Mr Madden is alleged to have bullied and harassed previous electorate staff members – breaching party rules. He had initially intended to leave parliament at the October state election. His retirement will see a by-election held in the seat of Ipswich West – which Labor holds with a margin of 14 per cent.