Media Release 2000: Federal Election Boundaries Proposed for Northern Territory

27 April 2000

The Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory has announced its proposal for the new Federal electoral boundaries in the Northern Territory.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker, said that the redistribution of the Northern Territory was necessary because of the Territory's increased entitlement to two members in the House of Representatives at the next general election. The Northern Territory currently has only one Federal Member.

"In developing its proposal, the Redistribution Committee has taken account of the suggestions and comments received, particularly as they relate to communities of interest," he said.

"The proposed new boundaries also make use of State electoral boundaries, main roads, waterways and other geographical features. In addition, attention has been paid to transport and communication links across and between communities."

Mr Becker said that the Redistribution Committee had recommended the names of SOLOMON and LINGIARI for the two Divisions.

"The Division of Solomon will take in the majority of the urban area centred on Darwin, and the Division of Lingiari will cover the remainder of the Northern Territory, as well as the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island," he said.

The full Proposal Report, and an outline map, are available on the Australian Electoral Commission's Internet website at www.aec.gov.au. Copies of the Report, including a detailed map, are available from the office of the Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory, 9th Floor AANT Building, 79-81 Smith Street, Darwin, Phone (08) 8982 8001. The report can also be inspected at the AEC's Head Office in each capital city, and at its Central Office in Canberra.

The Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory consists of the Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker; the Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory, Mr Paul Anderson (A/g); the Surveyor-General of the Northern Territory, Mr Trevor Menzies, and the Auditor-General of the Northern Territory, Mr Iain Summers.

Mr Becker reminded people that they had until Friday 26 May 2000 to lodge objections to any aspect of the Proposal.

Objections to the Proposal will be considered by the augmented Electoral Commission, which consists of the Chairman of the AEC, the Hon Trevor Morling QC; the Australian Statistician, Mr Bill McLennan, and the members of the Redistribution Committee.

Further information:

Mr Paul Anderson, Darwin Ph: (08) 8982 8001
Ms Anthea Wilson, Canberra Ph: (02) 6271 4415