16 February 2000

The A/g Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory, Mr Paul Anderson, today reminded members of the public that they have less than 3 weeks to make written suggestions on the redistribution of the federal electoral boundaries in the Northern Territory.

The federal redistribution of the Northern Territory commenced earlier this month following a determination by the Electoral Commissioner that, based on population changes, the NT is now entitled to two members in the House of Representatives from the next federal election.

Mr Anderson, a member of the Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory, said that individuals and organisations were able to make suggestions about where the boundaries for the two electoral divisions should be drawn and what the divisions should be named.

"Written suggestions on name and boundary changes were first invited on 2 February 2000 and must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee by 6.00pm on Friday 3 March," he said.

Anyone wanting to make a suggestion can access information on electoral law requirements, and the conventions for naming of electoral divisions on the AEC's Internet web site at www.aec.gov.au or by ringing (08) 8982 8020.

Interested people may also visit the Redistribution Committee's office in Darwin to access the Commission's electronic map information system. This system contains electoral enrolment projections and can be used to draw possible electoral boundaries.

Suggestions must be received by 6.00pm Friday 3 March and can be lodged in person with the Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory at the AEC's Darwin office or posted:

Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory

Street address: 2^nd Floor AANT Building

79-81 Smith Street, Darwin

Postal address: GPO Box 21 Darwin NT 0801.

Media contact:

Paul Anderson

A/g Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory

Ph. (08) 8982 8001