Media Release 2010: Enrolment quota determined for Victorian redistribution of federal electoral boundaries
18 February 2010
The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ed Killesteyn, has announced the first step in the process of redistributing federal electoral boundaries in Victoria by setting the enrolment quota.
"The enrolment quota for the redistribution in Victoria is 94 040," Mr Killesteyn said.
The enrolment quota was determined by dividing the number of electors enrolled in Victoria as at 1 February 2010 by the number of House of Representative seats that the state will be entitled to at the next federal election (37).
When the boundaries are redrawn during the redistribution process, each electoral division must have between 84 636 and 103 444 electors – that is, a margin of up to 10% variation is allowed from the quota.
A media statement was issued by Mr Killesteyn on 1 February 2010 advising that under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 a redistribution of federal electoral boundaries was required in Victoria as seven years has elapsed since the last redistribution. Victoria's current entitlement to 37 seats in the House of Representatives will remain unchanged.
"A Redistribution Committee will soon be formed to begin the task of redrawing electoral boundaries within Victoria," Mr Killesteyn said.
The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 requires that the Redistribution Committee comprise the Electoral Commissioner, the Australian Electoral Officer for the state, as well as two senior state officials, usually the state's Surveyor-General and Auditor-General or equivalent positions.
"The Redistribution Committee will undertake an extensive process of consultation and provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to make suggestions and comments on matters affecting the drawing of federal electoral boundaries and the naming of divisions."
Public suggestions and comments about the redistribution will be invited in early March.
The redistribution process is expected to be finalised on 17 December this year. Should a federal election be called before this date then the electoral boundaries for Victoria that applied at the 2007 federal election will be used.
Further information
Media contacts
Mrs Jenni McMullan
State Manager, AEC, Victoria
03 9285 7100
0438 255 979
Phil Diak | Director Media
AEC, Canberra
02 6271 4415
0413 452 539
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