Announcement of boundaries and names of federal Electoral Divisions in Tasmania and invitation for public submissions for further objections process

Announced on   Wednesday 15 July 2026

Augmented Electoral Commission’s proposed redistribution of federal Electoral Divisions in Tasmania

The augmented Electoral Commission for Tasmania has concluded its consideration of submissions received in relation to all boundaries and for four of the five names of Tasmania's federal Electoral Divisions. The augmented Electoral Commission is formally announcing proposed names and boundaries of Tasmania’s five Electoral Divisions.

For the boundaries of Tasmania’s Electoral Divisions, the augmented Commission is announcing relatively small changes to the boundaries proposed by the Redistribution Committee to be made in the north-east of the state. These boundary changes are not significantly different from the Redistribution Committee’s proposal. All other boundaries proposed by the Redistribution Committee are proposed to be adopted at the determination date of the redistribution on 8 October 2026.

In reaching its decision, the augmented Electoral Commission was required to consider all the submissions to it in accordance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) concerning the proposed redistribution of Tasmania.

The augmented Electoral Commission was also required by the Electoral Act to meet the numerical requirements of section 73(4). That is:

  • the number of electors in each Electoral Division shall, as far as practicable, not deviate from the projected enrolment quota of 84,557 at the projection time of 8 April 2030 by more than plus or minus 3.5 per cent. As far as practicable, the number of electors enrolled in each Electoral Division in Tasmania at the projection time therefore had to be between 87,516 and 81,598, and
  • the number of electors in each Electoral Division shall not deviate from the redistribution quota of 82,635 by more than plus or minus 10 per cent. The number of electors enrolled in each Electoral Division in Tasmania must therefore be between 90,898 and 74,372.

Further, in relation to each Electoral Division, the augmented Electoral Commission was also required to give due consideration to:

  • community of interests in the Electoral Division, including economic, social and regional interests
  • means of communication and travel in the Electoral Division
  • the physical features and area of the Electoral Division
  • the boundaries of existing Electoral Divisions (with this factor being subordinate to the others).

Summary of proposed boundaries

The redistribution will result in boundary changes to 4 of Tasmania's 5 Electoral Divisions (referred to as electorates below):

  • Bass gains the Break O’Day local government area
  • Braddon remains unchanged
  • Clark gains the Huon Valley and remainder of the Kingborough local government areas
  • Lyons gains the Glenorchy local government area
  • Reconfigured Franklin (note the section on names below) gains the Brighton, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Sorell, and Tasman local government areas and the remainder of the Clarence local government area (Richmond locality).

The augmented Electoral Commission’s redistribution outlined above makes two adjustments to the boundaries proposed in the Redistribution Committee's redistribution report, released in February 2026, in response to the public’s submissions on the proposal:

  • Bass gains the Break O’Day local government area.
  • Lyons retains the Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale localities. 

All other changes proposed by the Redistribution Committee are to be adopted.

The augmented Electoral Commission’s redistribution will result in a change of electorate for 27.63 per cent (114,157) of electors in Tasmania. This redistribution meets the numerical requirements of the redistribution and projected enrolment quota for Tasmania.

The below table summarises key data for each electorate:

Electorate

Enrolment as at 12 August 2025

Projected enrolment at 8 April 2030

Approximate area

Number

Percentage variation from the redistribution quota

Number

Percentage variation from the projected enrolment quota

Bass

86,207 

4.32% 

86,459 

2.25% 

11,509 km2 

Braddon

84,612 

2.39% 

86,021 

1.73% 

21,368 km2 

Clark

80,510 

-2.57% 

82,547 

-2.38% 

6,313 km2 

Lyons

81,610 

-1.24% 

82,807 

-2.07% 

24,449 km2 

Reconfigured Franklin

80,237 

-2.90% 

84,951 

0.47% 

4,378 km2 

Augmented Electoral Commission’s conclusions on boundary submissions

The augmented Electoral Commission received and considered 72 submissions that addressed the Redistribution Committee’s proposed boundaries of Tasmania’s electorates. The below outlines the augmented Electoral Commission’s conclusions on the key themes presented in submissions.

Redistribution Committee’s proposal:
The Redistribution Committee proposed transferring the localities of Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale from Lyons to Bass.

Summary of public submissions on the proposed redistribution:
A total of 12 submissions addressed the proposed boundaries between Bass and Lyons. These submissions focused on the proposed transfer of the localities of Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale into Bass, and the alternative option of transferring the local government area of Break O’Day into Bass.

Outcome:
The augmented Electoral Commission noted that the numerical requirements of the Electoral Act meant that both options could not be accommodated. In considering the alternatives, it found the submissions regarding Break O'Day's community of interests links with Launceston and Tasmania's north-east coast to be compelling. These considerations were assessed alongside the proposed changes to the southern part of the electorate of Lyons, including the addition of the Glenorchy local government area.

On balance, the augmented Electoral Commission agreed that the Break O'Day local government area should be included in Bass and that the localities of Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale should remain in Lyons. It considered that this approach better reflects established community of interests, economic, social and regional connections, while ensuring that all local government areas remain wholly within a single electorate.

Redistribution Committee’s proposal:
The Redistribution Committee proposed no changes to Braddon.

Summary of public submissions on the proposed redistribution:
A total of 5 submissions were received supporting the Redistribution Committee’s proposal.

Outcome:
The augmented Electoral Commission noted that Braddon meets numerical requirements, keeps local government areas together and reflects well-established communities of interests. It was satisfied that the Redistribution Committee’s proposal for Braddon should be adopted.  

Redistribution Committee’s proposal:
The Redistribution Committee proposed a major reconfiguration of electorates in southern Tasmania, particularly to address Franklin’s non-contiguous boundaries and where possible to strengthen communities of interest across southern Tasmania. The proposal included:

  • The electorate of Franklin comprising the local government areas of Brighton, Clarence, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Sorell and Tasman.
  • The electorate of Clark comprising the local government areas of Hobart, Huon Valley and Kingborough.
  • The electorate of Lyons comprising the local government areas of Break O’Day, Central Highlands, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Kentish, Meander Valley (excluding the localities of Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale), Northern Midlands and Southern Midlands.

Summary of public submissions on the proposed redistribution:
Around half of the submissions made in response to the Redistribution Committee’s proposal related to the major reconfiguration proposed for Tasmania’s southern electorates. Key themes included:

  • General support for the proposed boundaries and for addressing the non-contiguity of Franklin.
  • General objections against the proposed boundaries and scale of change.
  • Objections against the local government area of Glenorchy being in Lyons, with support for retaining Glenorchy in Clark or transferring it to Franklin.
  • Concerns about the inclusion of urban communities in Lyons and the resulting impact on the electorate’s community of interests.
  • Objections against the local government area of Brighton being included in Franklin and support for it to be retained in Lyons.

Outcome:
The augmented Electoral Commission acknowledged the concerns raised about the scale of change proposed to electoral boundaries in southern Tasmania, including strong representations supporting the retention of the Brighton local government area in Lyons and concerns about the inclusion of the Glenorchy local government area in that electorate. The augmented Electoral Commission carefully considered these views, together with evidence presented at the public inquiry regarding travel patterns, access to services and community connections.

The augmented Electoral Commission acknowledged submissions which argued that Brighton should remain in Lyons due to its role as a service centre for regional southern Tasmanian communities and its alignment with the existing electorate of Lyons. While recognising the strength of these views, it considered that the inclusion of Brighton in the reconfigured electorate of Franklin represented the most appropriate outcome having regard to the numerical requirements of the Electoral Act, Brighton's geographic position and the limitations arising from Tasmania's pattern of population distribution, which constrained the range of viable alternatives. The augmented Electoral Commission also had regard to Brighton's existing links with communities proposed to be included in Franklin, noting that many are currently located within the same electorate and are connected by major transport corridors.

In reaching its conclusions, the augmented Electoral Commission was not persuaded that alternative proposals would result in a more appropriate outcome. It had regard to the need to address the non-contiguous nature of Franklin, numerical requirements of the Electoral Act and to maintain boundaries that appropriately reflect and strengthen communities of interests where possible. The augmented Electoral Commission noted the community of interests links between Glenorchy and the Derwent Valley and considered that, with Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale remaining in Lyons, Glenorchy would not be the only urban area within the electorate, which many submissions raised as a concern.

The augmented Electoral Commission considers the River Derwent to be a significant natural boundary that influences communities of interests and connections, travel patterns and service access. Noting this impact, which was reinforced at the public inquiry, it was determined that where practicable, the river should reflect the boundaries of electorates in that area. For these reasons, it was not persuaded by alternative proposals that would have continued or increased Franklin's non-contiguous nature.

In considering the boundaries of Clark, the augmented Electoral Commission noted the significant geographic features that separate the Huon Valley and Kingborough local government areas from the rest of Tasmania. It considered that these areas have strong connections with and reliance on Hobart and comparatively limited community of interests links with other parts of the state. Moreover, the electorate of Clark cannot numerically accommodate the local government areas of Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingborough and Huon Valley.

Accordingly, the augmented Electoral Commission adopted for Clark, Franklin and the southern part of Lyons the boundaries proposed by the Redistribution Committee.

Augmented Electoral Commission’s conclusion and proposal on Electoral Division names

In accordance with the Electoral Act, the augmented Electoral Commission was required to consider all the submissions made to it concerning the proposed redistribution for Tasmania.

The augmented Electoral Commission received and considered 68 submissions that addressed the names of Tasmania’s electorates. These submissions proposed a variety of names, including the names of individuals, Aboriginal words and nations, and geographical features. Most submissions proposed or supported a change to the name of Franklin.

The augmented Electoral Commission observed that the considerations advanced in support of alternative names were not persuasive enough to justify any changes of names for the four electorates of Braddon, Bass, Lyons and Clark. Therefore, these four electorate names will be retained.

The augmented Electoral Commission is proposing that the reconfigured electorate of Franklin be renamed in honour of Tongerlongeter.

Due to the proposed renaming of the electorate of Franklin, the augmented Electoral Commission considers this aspect of the redistribution to be significantly different from the Redistribution Committee's proposal. As required by section 72 of the Electoral Act, the augmented Electoral Commission will therefore be inviting further objections (submissions) before making its final determination.

Augmented Electoral Commission’s considerations

The naming of federal Electoral Divisions has been the subject of recommendations from parliamentary committees. The guidelines for naming federal electorates state that electorate names should not be changed or transferred to new areas without very strong reasons. The augmented Electoral Commission therefore approached consideration of electorate names with particular care.

Given the nature and extent of the change to the reconfigured electorate of Franklin and the number of submissions relating to changing the name Franklin, the augmented Electoral Commission concluded that there were strong reasons to consider an alternative name for the reconfigured electorate of Franklin. 

After considering the submissions and the Redistribution Committee's proposal, the augmented Electoral Commission considered evidence provided at the public inquiry, which it considered very informative, and having regard to section 71(10) of the Electoral Act has made other inquiries to inform its deliberations.

In reaching the proposed name of Tongerlongeter, the augmented Electoral Commission also considered Mathinna (also spelt as Metineh), Woureddy (also spelt Wureti) and Rooke as alternative names for the electorate.

Retiring the name ‘Franklin’ and honouring Tongerlongeter

The augmented Electoral Commission acknowledges the name Franklin has been in continuous use for more than 120 years. It acknowledges the contribution to the development of colonial Tasmania of Sir John Franklin KCH RN, a British naval officer, Arctic explorer and colonial administrator who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land from 1837 to 1843. Sir John Franklin’s name is recognised elsewhere across Tasmania and internationally.

Following its deliberations, the augmented Electoral Commission proposes renaming the electorate of Franklin in honour of Tongerlongeter (c. 1790-1837), a Poredareme man of the Oyster Bay nation and a prominent Aboriginal leader whose Country encompassed much of south-east Tasmania, including areas within the reconfigured electorate boundaries. The name ‘Franklin’ is proposed to be retired.

Tongerlongeter is recognised by historians as one of the most significant Aboriginal leaders in Tasmania during the early period of British colonisation. During the Black War, he emerged as a leader of the federation of Oyster Bay clans and played a prominent role in Aboriginal resistance to colonial expansion. Working with allied groups, including the Big River nation, he led efforts to defend Country and resist the impacts of settlement.

Historians regard the scale and effectiveness of Aboriginal resistance under leaders such as Tongerlongeter as a significant factor in major colonial government responses, including the declaration of martial law in 1828 and the Black Line campaign in 1830. In 1831, Tongerlongeter met with Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur as colonial authorities sought to end the conflict. He and surviving members of his community were subsequently relocated to Wybalenna on Flinders Island.

Following his relocation, Tongerlongeter continued to provide leadership within the Aboriginal community, representing community interests and advocating for his people. He died at Wybalenna in 1837. Contemporary accounts indicate that his death was formally acknowledged by the Aboriginal community and mission authorities.

The augmented Electoral Commission considers that Tongerlongeter's leadership during the Black War, his role in defending Country, and his enduring significance in Tasmanian history provide strong grounds for recognising his contribution through the naming of an electorate. His life and legacy continue to illustrate Aboriginal resistance to colonisation and the enduring connection of Tasmanian Aboriginal people to Country.

Alternative names considered by the augmented Electoral Commission

The augmented Electoral Commission considered three other alternative names for renaming the electorate of Franklin. Each has a strong connection with Tasmania and represents an important aspect of the state's history and heritage.

Mathinna (also spelt Metineh)

Mathinna (c. 1835-c. 1850s) was a Tasmanian Aboriginal girl whose life is among the most widely recognised stories of Tasmania's colonial history. The daughter of Towterer, a leader of the Lowreenne people of south-west Tasmania, she lived at the Aboriginal settlement at Wybalenna before, as a child, being taken to live with Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Franklin and Lady Jane Franklin at Government House in Hobart. Historians regard Mathinna's experiences as illustrating the displacement, family separation and disruption of cultural and community connections experienced by many Tasmanian Aboriginal people during the colonial period. Following her death, her remains are thought to have been unlawfully removed from the burial grounds at Oyster Cove in the early 1900s and were subsequently repatriated to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community in 1985. Her life and legacy remain important in understanding the continuing impacts of colonisation on Tasmanian Aboriginal communities.

Jessie Spink Rooke

Jessie Spink Rooke (1845-1906) was a prominent Tasmanian suffragist, temperance reformer and social advocate who played a leading role in the campaign for women's voting rights in Tasmania. As president of the Tasmanian branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, she travelled extensively throughout the state, speaking publicly and organising petition campaigns that gathered thousands of signatures in support of women's suffrage. Despite repeated legislative setbacks, Rooke helped maintain public support for the cause and was a founding leader of the Tasmanian Women's Suffrage Association in 1903. Historians recognise her as one of the leading figures in the Tasmanian women's suffrage movement, which culminated in women gaining the right to vote in state elections in 1903.

Woureddy (also spelt Wureti)

Woureddy (c. 1790-1842) was a Nuenonne man whose Country included Bruny Island and parts of southern Tasmania. Recognised as a warrior, cultural leader and custodian of Aboriginal knowledge, he played an important role during the colonial period as a guide, interpreter and intermediary between Aboriginal groups and colonial authorities. Woureddy contributed to the preservation and documentation of Tasmanian Aboriginal language, culture and creation stories, and continued to provide leadership within the Aboriginal community following relocation to Wybalenna. Historians recognise Woureddy as an important Aboriginal leader whose life reflects both Aboriginal resistance to colonisation and the preservation of Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural knowledge.

Next steps

Due to the proposal to rename the reconfigured electorate of Franklin to Tongerlongeter, the augmented Electoral Commission considers this aspect of its proposed redistribution to be significantly different from the Redistribution Committee's proposal.

The augmented Electoral Commission therefore invites further objections (written submissions) on the proposed redistribution. The augmented Electoral Commission particularly welcomes submissions on the proposed name of Tongerlongeter or alternative names for the reconfigured electorate of Franklin. Submissions are open from today and under the Electoral Act must be received by 11:59 pm (AEST) on Tuesday 21 July 2026.

A public inquiry (consultation session) will also be held in Hobart on Friday 31 July where members of the public can provide verbal submissions. For more information, or to register to attend, please visit the session information page.

The Electoral Act legislates the period for further written submissions to 7 days from this announcement, and the timeframe within which a public consultation session is to be held. As a consequence of the legislation, late submissions cannot be considered.

A final decision will be made shortly after the public consultation session on the name for the reconfigured electorate of Franklin. Relevant details will be provided on the AEC website.

How to make a submission

Written submissions can be made via the AEC website. Further guidance on how to make a submission is available on the ‘Have your say’ page.

Updated: 15 July 2026