Most of Victoria’s federal electorate boundaries to be redrawn

THE Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is inviting members of the public to propose changes to the boundaries and names of Victoria’s federal electorates.
Population growth means Victoria’s entitlement to seats in the House of Representatives has risen from 38 to 39, and this will require most of the state’s federal divisions to be altered to some degree.
Written submissions to the Redistribution Committee for Victoria opened on Wednesday last week.
Victorian electoral divisions must fall within two numerical ranges:
The number of electors enrolled as of July 15 this year must be within 10 per cent (either above or below) the existing enrolment quota of 109,021, and
As far as practicable, the projected number of electors enrolled as of January 26, 2025 would be within 3.5 per cent (either above or below) of the projected enrolment quota of 117,107.
Locally, it is estimated the electorate of Corio will only have about 200 voters more than the projected quota in 2025, so its boundaries are not expected to change in the redistribution.
The projections tell a very different story for Corangamite, which will have nearly 15 per cent more voters than the 2025 quota and will likely need to become smaller.
It is not clear where the new seat will be located in Victoria, and the AEC is welcoming suggestions.
The deadline for submissions is 6pm on October 16, and written suggestions will be published on the Australian Electoral Commission website on October 19.
The public will then have until 6pm on October 30 to lodge written comments on suggestions.
The Australian Electoral Commissioner and chair of the redistribution committee, Tom Rogers, said the committee would review all ideas, suggestions and comments, and then release proposed division names and boundaries in early 2021.
“Carrying out regular reviews of federal divisions is essential to the maintenance of our fair, open and internationally admired Australian electoral system.
“It is particularly important this time around in Victoria because – in light of a recent determination based on fresh population figures – the state’s entitlement has risen from 38 to 39 House seats.”
“The Committee is inviting people to put forward, in writing, their ideas about the names of federal divisions, where the boundaries should be, or both.”
To lodge suggestions or obtain more information, head to the AEC website’s special Victorian redistribution page at aec.gov.au/electorates/Redistributions/2021/vic/index.htm.
Other avenues for submissions are by email ([email protected]), fax (02 6293 7664) or post (Redistribution Committee for Victoria, Australian Electoral Commission, Locked Bag 4007, Canberra ACT 2601).