An unexpected vote in the early hours of this morning resulted in the remarkable spectacle of half-dressed MPs running into the Queensland Parliament in shorts, bare feet and even a State of Origin jersey.

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A division was called suddenly about 2:30am after the LNP's Jeff Seeney was refused permission to contribute to the adjournment debate because he was not on the list of scheduled speakers.

However, many LNP MPs were caught unawares and had to rush back from their bedrooms in various stages of undress.

Members on both sides who had stayed in the chamber were entertained by the sight of panting colleagues arriving back in bare feet, shorts, T-shirts, Queensland jerseys and, in the case of veteran Hervey Bay MP Ted Sorensen, a jacket without a shirt.

From their seats on the Government front bench, Labor Ministers Kate Jones and Jackie Trad laughed and clapped as the spectacle unfolded.

It was all to no avail for the Opposition, who lost the vote 42-32.

The adjournment debate proceeded until the House rose just before 3:00am.

But Energy Minister Mark Bailey sought the opinion of Speaker Peter Wellington about proper decorum.

"I notice that the Member for Hervey Bay appears not to be wearing a shirt. Is that appropriate under the standing orders?" Mr Bailey inquired.

Mr Wellington replied: "It's OK. For [the information of] new members, in divisions when the bells are ringing you get here as quickly as you can."

The Clerk of the Parliament was heard to add, "in whatever attire".

The late sitting was due to the long debate over water licences for mining companies.

Another late night is expected tonight when MPs wrestle over the Government's sweeping changes to the former LNP government's crime laws.