Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says political culture has become increasingly brutal after Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey announced her imminent retirement from politics due to depression and bullying.

Key points: Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the "meanness needs to stop"

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the "meanness needs to stop" The electoral commissioner says it would cost less to hold a by-election at the same time as local elections

The electoral commissioner says it would cost less to hold a by-election at the same time as local elections Ms Palaszczuk said she would consider aligning a by-election with the local government elections

Ms Stuckey revealed personal attacks, abuse and bullying led her to step down after 16 years in the job but had not detailed what the attacks were in relation to.

However, Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said Ms Stuckey was "relentlessly" attacked by the State Government, particularly when parliament sat in Townsville last year.

"That week Jann got completely targeted by everyone from the Premier down because she was standing up for a local issue," Ms Frecklington said.

"It was a relentless orchestrated campaign by the Labor Party … no-one should be treated that way."

Last year Ms Stuckey also received threats and abuse from within her own party after voting for a Labor bill to legalise abortion in Queensland.

She was one of only three LNP MPs to vote for the bill in a conscience vote on the issue, and faced threats including internal pressure warning her preselection would be rejected or jeopardised.

Members of the LNP also vowed to target the MPs in the upcoming state election.

When asked by reporters if she believed Ms Stuckey's bullying claims had anything to do with the conscience vote, Ms Frecklington said "not at all".

"The party line was to offer the members a conscience vote and that's exactly what we did and that's exactly what Jann did … and I very much respect that," she said.

"I've had many conversations with Jann around the struggles and I respect her gratefully for opening up to me."

'It just needs to stop'

In response to Ms Stuckey's announcement, Ms Palaszczuk said the "meanness needs to stop and a bit of dignity and respect needs to take place".

Ms Stuckey (right), joins LNP MPs Tim Nicholls and Steve Minnikin to vote to decriminalise abortion in 2018. ( ABC News )

"I think in the world of Twitter and Facebook, the attacks do become more personal and I think it just needs to stop," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"We need to set the examples."

Ms Stuckey was originally set to resign at the state election in October but has brought forward the timeline to February 1.

She said she struggled greatly over the past 12 months under intense scrutiny and she was affected by a "black cloud".

"I deeply resent insensitive reporting I am fed up or I am spitting the dummy — I am unwell and have been for some time," she said.

"Being ridiculed and abused for standing up for my community and speaking out on their behalf was taking its toll in a manner that was detrimental to my mental health.

"It is important to note that no other workplace would put up with the level of bullying, personal attacks and insults that take place in politics. It's getting worse and it needs to change."

Fellow Gold Coast LNP MP David Crisafulli said he was surprised by the resignation.

"She particularly spoke about how people were saying she was spitting the dummy. Anyone who knows Jann knows that is not the case," Mr Crisafulli said.

Ms Stuckey says ridicule and abuse were taking a toll on her mental health. ( AAP: Dave Hunt )

"She has hit the nail on the head about how personal politics have got — not just here in Queensland but everywhere.

"I have seen a slide in civility in the way politics is conducted."

Minister for Child Safety and Women, Di Farmer, said she felt for Ms Stuckey.

Ms Farmer said ridicule and abuse was tolerated in politics but it would not be elsewhere.

"As a public figure you certainly know you are in for some rough and tumble, but I think we really have to be careful to be playing the issue and not the person," Ms Farmer said.

Call for by-election to coincide with local elections

Along with Ms Stuckey's resignation there are also reports veteran Labor MP Jo-Ann Miller is considering running for Mayor of Ipswich.

That would require her to quit parliament.

Ms Palaszczuk said it was a matter for Ms Miller.

"I mean she's a member of our team but I do think that for the benefit of her local electorate and Ipswich she should make a decision soon," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I'd like her to remain but if she chooses to go that's her decision."

Queensland's Electoral Commissioner said it made good financial sense for any state by-elections to be held to coincide with the upcoming local government elections in March.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vigden said it was up to the Premier to decide by-election dates, but combining them would save money.

"Currumbin has around 35,000 voters — it's around $10 per voter cost, so it equates to about $350,000," Mr Vigden said.

"However, if you did that with the local government elections at the same time, the costs comes down considerably and we'd estimate the cost to be about $210,000.

"It's a matter for the Premier and the sooner the better for us. We're well and truly into our planning for the local government elections.

"We anticipate that the notice for the election, which is really formalising the kick-off for the key dates, will happen on the 22nd of February."

Ms Palaszczuk said she would consider aligning the election dates to minimise disruption to the people of Currumbin.