16 July 1999

The Redistribution Committee for New South Wales has announced its proposal for the new Federal electoral boundaries in New South Wales.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Gray, said today that "NSW remains entitled to 50 members of the House of Representatives, but growth has been uneven across the State". Under the proposed Redistribution, about 430,000 electors (less than 11%) would move from their current Division.

Mr Gray said that "In developing its proposal, the Redistribution Committee has taken account the suggestions and comments received, particularly as they relate to communities of interest. The proposed new boundaries also make extensive use of local government boundaries, main roads, waterways and other geographical features. In addition, attention has been paid to transport and communication links across and between communities."

All current Divisional names have been retained, but the Committee has taken the opportunity to correct a 50 year old spelling mistake. It has recommended that the Division of Kingsford-Smith be spelt the way Sir Charles spelt it - without a hyphen.

The Committee's full Report and outline maps are available on the Australian Electoral Commission's website. Copies of the Report, including detailed maps, are available from the office of the Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales, Level 6 Roden Cutler House, 24 Campbell Street, Sydney, Phone (02) 9375 6303. The Report can also be inspected at all AEC Offices in New South Wales, at the Commission's Head Office in each capital city, and at its Central Office in Canberra.

People have until Friday 13 August 1999 to lodge objections to any aspect of the Redistribution Committee's proposal, at the office of the Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales.

The Redistribution Committee for New South Wales consists of the Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Gray; the Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales, Ms Frances Howat; the Surveyor-General of New South Wales, Mr Donald Grant, and the Auditor-General of New South Wales, Mr Anthony Harris.

Any objections to the proposal will be considered by the Augmented Electoral Commission, which consists of the Chairman of the Australian Electoral Commission, the Hon Trevor Morling QC; the Australian Statistician, Mr Bill McLennan, and the members of the Redistribution Committee.

Further information:
Ms Frances Howat
Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales
Tel: (02) 9375 6300