Media Release 2009: AEC invites suggestions into New South Wales electoral redistribution

Updated: 22 November 2010

2 April 2009

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

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ed Killesteyn, asks all interested individuals and organisations to provide written suggestions to the Redistribution Committee about possible changes to the boundaries and names for 48 federal electoral divisions in New South Wales. New South Wales currently has 49 seats.

Members of the Committee include the Electoral Commissioner and the Acting State Manager and Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales, Ms Marie Nelson. 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 1 May 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 communication and travel within the proposed divisions. The physical features and area of the proposed divisions and the boundaries of existing divisions in New South Wales 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 New South Wales in one of the following ways:

  • in person to Level 3 Roden Cutler House, 24 Campbell St, Haymarket, NSW 2000
  • by mail to PO Box K406, Haymarket, NSW 1240
  • by fax to 02 9375 6328
  • by email to nsw.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 Sydney and on the AEC website from Monday 4 May 2009.

The public have until 6pm AEST on Friday 15 May 2009 to lodge any written comments they may have on the suggestions made.

The indicative timetable for the redistribution is available.

Editor's Note:

Further information is available in the SPECIAL GAZETTE S 55 – COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ACT 1918 (FED): Redistribution of Federal Electoral Boundaries in New South Wales: Public Suggestions and Comments.

Media contacts

Marie Nelson
Acting State Manager and Australian Electoral Officer
New South Wales
02 9375 6304

Phil Diak | Director Media
AEC, Canberra
02 6271 4415
0413 452 539