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

Updated: 4 September 2017

Who will make the proposed redistribution of South Australia?

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

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 South Australia consider when making their proposed redistribution of South Australia?

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

  • South Australia 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 South Australia at a general election (sub-section 66(2) of the Electoral Act)
    • As South Australia is entitled to 10 members of the House of Representatives, as determined by the Electoral Commissioner on 31 August 2017, the Redistribution Committee will propose 10 electoral divisions for South Australia.
  • 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 ACDT Friday 1 December 2017 and all written comments on suggestions received by 6pm ACDT Friday 15 December 2017 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 South Australia 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 enrolled in each federal electoral division in South Australia at the projection time of Thursday 20 January 2022 must be between 118,436 and 127,026.
  • the number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in South Australia would not be more than plus 10 per cent or less than minus 10 per cent of the current enrolment quota (sub-section 66(3) of the Electoral Act)
    • The number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in South Australia must be between 107,553 and 131,453.
  • 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 South Australia, with this factor being subordinate to the consideration 1 to 3 (paragraph 66(3)(b) and sub-section 66(3A) of the Electoral Act)