Research Report 4 - Australian Federal Redistributions 1901-2003

Australian Federal Redistributions 1901–2003

Author: Andy Christian

Date: April 2004

In addition to this paper, a separate CD-ROM is available containing data on each electoral division for the redistributions since 1901. The data is voluminous and consequently has been copied to a CD-ROM. Order a free copy of this CD-ROM by emailing info@aec.gov.au. Please include your name, organisation and postal address.

Contents

What is redistribution?

Introduction

• Why have a redistribution?

Origins of the Australian Redistribution Process

• Parliamentry Procedure
• The Nexus Provision
• Timing of redistributions
• Calculation of Apportionment
• Calculation of Malproportionment
• Population Flux
• The Population
• The Entitlement
• Explanatory Notes regarding calculation of Population and Entitlement
• Enrolment Deviation

The Redistribution process

• Structure of the Redistribution Committee
• The Enrolment Quota
• Public invited to make Suggestions and Comments
• Development of a redistribution proposal
• Three-and-a-half year Rule
• Augmented Electoral Commission
• Final determination
• Tabling in Parliament
• Commencement date of new boundaries
• Guidelines for the naming of electoral divisions

The Redistribution timetable

• Dates of final determinations of the Distribution & Redistributions 1900–2003

Legislative changes affecting redistributions

• Introduction
• Brief summary of legislative changes (1900–1983)
• First Mandatory Requirement introduced
• Non-mandatory grounds for a redistribution
• Brief summary of legislative changes (1983–1998)
• 1983 Amendments
• Three Mandatory Triggers
• Numerical Requirements
• Mini Redistribution Amendment
• 1987 Amendments
• 1998 Amendments
• New Provision
• Increased Allowable Variation
• Determination of Entitlements
• Northern Territory

Appendix One: Measures of Malapportionment

• David-Eisenberg Index
• Dauer-Kelsay Index
• Gini Index

Appendix Two: Summary Tables

Appendix Three: Frequency of Distributions & Redistributions

• 1901–1983
• 1984–2003
• 1901–2003

Appendix Four: Comparative Table of Legislative Changes 1977–1998

Appendix Five: Electoral Divisions Created and Abolished 1901–2003

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• The Australian Capital Territory
• The Northern Territory

Part Two: Electoral Redistributions 1901–2003

• Brief History
• Redistribution Timetable
• Enrolment Data
• Divisional Snapshot
• Elections held based on the redistribution
• Measures of Malapportionment
• Division Summary
• Individual Redistribution Reports
  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Queensland
  • Western Australia
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • Northern Territory

References

Research Report 4 – Australian Federal Redistributions 1901–2003 [PDF 764KB]

Enquiries

Enquiries can be made by e-mail to the Research Section of the AEC: info@aec.gov.au. Phone (02) 62714411