Media Release 2005: Invitation for public suggestions into the ACT electoral redistribution

16 February 2005

The public are invited to submit suggestions for the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in the ACT.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker invites any interested individuals and organisations to submit written public suggestions about possible changes to the names and boundaries of the two federal electoral divisions in the ACT to the Redistribution Committee.

"The Committee will be appointed soon and will consist of the Electoral Commissioner, the Senior Divisional Returning Officer for the ACT, the ACT Surveyor-General equivalent and the ACT Auditor-General," said Mr Becker.

Written suggestions must be lodged by 6pm on Friday 18 March 2005 in order for them to be considered by the Committee.

"In making its proposal, the Committee will consider community of interests and means of communications and travel within the proposed divisions. The geographical and physical features of the divisions combined with the existing divisional boundaries will also be considered," Mr Becker explained.

A redistribution is a redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure that as nearly as practicable, each State and Territory gains representation in the House of Representatives in proportion to their populations, and that there are a similar number of electors in each division for a given State or Territory.

Individuals and organisations intending to submit suggestions should visit the AEC website www.aec.gov.au for further information. Advertisements calling for public suggestions will appear in local newspapers from Friday, 18 February 2005. Electoral enrolment and projected enrolment statistics are also available from the website or from the AEC's Redistribution Secretariat in Canberra on (02) 6271 4468.

Suggestions and comments must be addressed to:

Redistribution Committee for the ACT

1st Floor, 8-10 Hobart Place

CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601

OR

GPO Box 1807

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Media contact:

Phil Diak

A/g Assistant Commissioner

Public Awareness, Media and Research

Ph: (02) 6271 4477

Mob: 0413 452 539