Queensland voters have been asked to approve fixed, four-year parliamentary terms in a referendum.

Labor and the LNP have combined to pass laws to extend the current three-year terms and fix an October election date if a referendum next year is successful.

Government MP Stirling Hinchliffe said it was now up to the public.

"This is not our decision, this is us facilitating a decision by the people of Queensland," he said.

"It's therefore a requirement that the people of Queensland get to have their say on this matter by way of referendum."

The referendum, which could be held with local council elections in March, is considered to have a good chance of success because both major parties support longer terms.

Only the two Katters Australian Party MPs voted against the reform.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg spoke in favour of the change.

"[It] will mean Queenslanders are no longer surprised with snap elections at what may be opportune times for the premier and the government of the day, but what may be inconvenient times for the voters and businesses of Queensland," Ms Palaszczuk said.

But Mr Springborg warned the referendum was not guaranteed success.

"I still think this is a significant ask. We have to convince Queenslanders," he said.

"[But] really I think it reduces cynicism with regard to calling early elections."