The previous Member for Bonython was Neal Blewett (ALP) who represented the electorate from 1977 to 1994. He resigned from Parliament on 11 February 1994 and the writ for the by-election was issued on the same day.

Demographic rating:	Outer Metropolitan
Seat status following 1993 election:	Safe Labor
Two-party preferred 1993 election:	Labor:	64.75%
	LNP:	35.25%
Two-party preferred 1994 by-election:	Labor:	56.90%
	LNP:	43.10%

A total of six candidates nominated for the Bonython by-election held on 19 March 1994 compared with seven at the 1993 federal election.

Candidates	Votes	%
Denis McCormack (AFI)	4 323	6.82
George Bell (GRY)	4 659	7.35
#Martyn Evans (ALP)	29 097	45.92
Andy Markwell (LP)	20 398	32.19
Jack Webb (IND)	923	1.46
Philip Newey (DEM)	3 960	6.25
Formal	63 360	94.45
Informal	3 722	5.55
Total	67 082	86.59

A total of 77 469 electors were enrolled for the Bonython by-election. The Divisional Returning Officer for Bonython declared Martyn Evans (ALP) as the new Member on 24 March 1994.