Updated November 12, 2015 16:12:13

Photo: Christian Rowan is not supported by his party, the LNP, in calling for a debate on the death penalty. (Supplied: Twitter)

A Queensland MP has called for a public debate about bringing back the death penalty in Australia.

Opposition MP Christian Rowan, a member of the Liberal National Party (LNP) and a former Australian Medical Association president, said capital punishment should be considered in light of recent terrorism crimes.

"A public debate means you need to have an informed debate in our Parliament, not only in Queensland but around Australia, as to some of the most serious crimes and offences that can be committed against our citizens and our nation," he said.

"We've seen terrorist acts not only in Australia, but also overseas as well."

Dr Rowan raised the issue first on Wednesday night when Parliament was debating extending counter-terrorism laws.

He would not be drawn on what circumstances or offences would warrant the sentence.

The last hanging in Australia was in Victoria in 1967.

Queensland abolished the death penalty in 1922.

The Federal Government formally prohibited capital punishment in 2010.

Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick told Parliament the Government would not be reintroducing the laws.

"The Government, after almost a century since the Labor government abolished the death penalty in Queensland, will not be following down the frolic path, the disgraceful path that the Member for Moggill has now suggested that it now be reintroduced into Queensland," Mr Dick said.

Dr Rowan's own side of politics was not supporting his idea either.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said people had passionate views on the subject, but he did not agree.

"He has his view, it's not the view that's shared by the LNP, but we have no problem with people advocate their views, but it doesn't mean they're able to have their view get majority support," Mr Springborg said.

When asked if he was concerned that a doctor was advocating a return to the death penalty, Mr Springborg said, "we live in a democratic country where a range of people regardless of their backgrounds have a different range of views".

"That cuts across a great range of professions and I think that is the great thing about the democracy we have," he said.

Topics: parliament, government-and-politics, qld

First posted November 12, 2015 15:59:56