Media Release 2006: AEC invites Suggestions into NSW Electoral Redistribution

24 February 2006

The Australian Electoral Commission invites the public to submit suggestions into the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in New South Wales.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ian Campbell, asks all interested individuals and organisations to provide written suggestions to the Redistribution Committee about possible changes to the names and boundaries for 49 federal electoral divisions in New South Wales. This state currently has 50 seats, but as a result of population changes will be entitled to 49 at the next federal election.

Members of the Committee include the Electoral Commissioner and the Australian Electoral Officer (State Manager) for New South Wales. The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 also requires that the State Surveyor-General and State Auditor-General or their equivalent office bearers participate on the Committee.

"Submissions must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee by 6.00pm on Friday 24 March 2006 to allow them to be considered," Mr Campbell said.

"In making its proposal about the redrawing of electoral boundaries, the Committee will consider community of interests and means of communication and travel within the proposed electoral divisions. The physical features and area of the proposed electoral divisions, and the boundaries of existing divisions in New South Wales will also be considered," added Mr Campbell.

Those individuals and organisations intending to submit suggestions should visit the AEC website www.aec.gov.au for further information about the redistribution process. Suggestions and comments must be addressed to:

Redistribution Committee for New South Wales
Level 4, Roden Cutler House
24 Campbell Street
Haymarket NSW 2000

OR

PO Box 20014
World Square
NSW 2002

The Committee will continue its consultation process by making all suggestions received available for public inspection at the AEC NSW State Office and on the AEC website from Monday 27 March 2006. The public have until 6pm on Friday 7 April 2006 to lodge any written comments they may have on the suggestions made.

Redistribution processes are very consultative and usually take several months. New electoral division boundaries for New South Wales are not expected to be finalised until late 2006.

Further background information on the redistribution process is attached.

Media contacts:
Brien Hallett
Assistant Commissioner
Communication Branch
Ph: 02 6271 4477
Marie Nelson
A/g State Manager
AEC New South Wales
Ph: 02 9375 6303

Technical contact:
Terry Rushton
Federal Redistribution Secretariat
Ph: 02 6271 4468