Media Release 2009: AEC invites suggestions into Queensland electoral redistribution

Updated: 22 November 2010

26 March 2009

The Australian Electoral Commission invites the public to submit suggestions about the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Queensland.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ed Killesteyn, asks all interested individuals and organisations to provide written suggestions and comments to the Redistribution Committee about possible changes to the boundaries and names for 30 federal electoral divisions in Queensland. Queensland currently has 29 seats.

Members of the Committee include the Electoral Commissioner and the Australian Electoral Officer (State Manager) for Queensland, Ms Anne Bright. 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.

"Written submissions must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee by 6pm AEST on Friday, 24 April 2009 to allow them to be considered," Mr Killesteyn said.

"In making its proposal of new electoral boundaries, the Committee must ensure that the number of electors in each division meets strict numerical criteria.

"The Committee will consider communities of interest and means of communications and travel within the proposed divisions. The physical features and area of the proposed divisions and the boundaries of existing divisions in Queensland will also be considered," added Mr Killesteyn.

Those individuals and organisations intending to submit suggestions should visit the AEC website for further information about the redistribution process.

Suggestions and comments must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee for Queensland in one of the following ways:

  • in person to 7th floor, 488 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
  • by mail to GPO Box 2590, Brisbane, QLD 4001
  • by fax to (07) 3834 3452
  • by email to qld.redistribution@aec.gov.au.

The Committee will continue its consultation process by making all suggestions received available for public inspection at the AEC State Office in Brisbane and on the AEC website from 27 April 2009.

The public have until 6pm AEST on 8 May 2009 to lodge any written comments they may have on the suggestions made.

The indicative timetable for the redistribution is available on the AEC website.

Editor's Note:

Further information is available in the SPECIAL GAZETTE S 49 – COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ACT 1918 (FED): Redistribution of Federal Electoral Boundaries in Queensland: Public Suggestions and Comments.

Media contacts

Anne Bright
State Manager
Queensland
Ph: (07) 3834 3440

Phil Diak
Director, Media and Communication Strategy
Australian Electoral Commission
02 6271 4415
0413 452 539