Who makes the proposed redistribution and what factors do they consider?

Who makes the proposed redistribution of Victoria and what factors do they consider?

The proposed redistribution will be made by the Redistribution Committee for Victoria.

Section 60 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act) requires that for each redistribution of a state or territory, a Redistribution Committee for that state or territory will be appointed. The Electoral Act also specifies the membership of the Redistribution Committee.

Please note: The members of the Redistribution Committee will be advised following their appointment.

What factors will the Redistribution Committee for Victoria consider when making their proposed redistribution of Victoria?

The Electoral Act requires the Redistribution Committee for Victoria to comply with the following factors when making their proposed redistribution:

• Victoria is to be divided into the same number of federal electoral divisions as the number of members of the House of Representatives to be chosen in Victoria at a general election (sub-section 66(2) of the Electoral Act)
• As Victoria is entitled to 38 members of the House of Representatives, determined by the Electoral Commissioner on Thursday 27 July 2023, the Redistribution Committee will propose 38 electoral divisions for Victoria.
• consideration of all suggestions and comments on suggestions received by the lodgement time (sub-section 64(4) of the Electoral Act)
• All written suggestions received by 6pm AEDT Friday 24 November 2023 and all written comments on suggestions received by 6pm AEDT Friday 8 December 2023 will be considered by the Redistribution Committee in the development of their proposed redistribution
• As far as practicable, the number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in Victoria at the projection time would not be more than plus 3.5 per cent or less than minus 3.5 per cent of the projected enrolment quota (paragraph 66(3)(a) of the Electoral Act)
• as far as practicable, the number of electors projected to be enrolled in each federal electoral division in Victoria at the projection time of Monday 17 April 2028 must be between 122,785 and 131,691
• the number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in Victoria would not be more than plus 10 per cent or less than minus 10 per cent of the redistribution quota (sub-section 66(3) of the Electoral Act)
• The number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in Victoria must be between 105,205 and 128,583
• in relation to each proposed federal electoral division, give due consideration to:
1. community of interests within the proposed federal electoral division, including economic, social and regional interests
2. means of communication and travel within the proposed federal electoral division
3. the physical features and area of the proposed federal electoral division, and
4. the boundaries of existing federal electoral divisions in Victoria, with this factor being subordinate to the consideration i, ii and iv (paragraph 66(3)(b) and sub-section 66(3A) of the Electoral Act)