The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act) outlines the required processes for redistributions.
Who will make the proposed redistribution of Tasmania?
The proposed redistribution will be made by the Redistribution Committee for Tasmania.
The Electoral Act (section 60) requires, for each redistribution of a state or territory, the appointment of a Redistribution Committee for that state or territory. The Electoral Act also specifies the membership of the Redistribution Committee.
Please note: The names of members of the Redistribution Committee will be published once appointed.
What factors will the Redistribution Committee for Tasmania consider when making their proposed redistribution of Tasmania?
The Electoral Act requires the Redistribution Committee for Tasmania to comply with the following factors when making their proposed redistribution:
- Tasmania 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 Tasmania at a general election (sub-section 66(2) of the Electoral Act)
- Tasmania is entitled to five members of the House of Representatives, as determined by the Electoral Commissioner on Thursday 27 July 2023. The Redistribution Committee will therefore propose five electoral divisions for Tasmania.
- all suggestions and comments on suggestions received by the lodgement time (sub-section 64(4) of the Electoral Act)
- as far as practicable, the number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in Tasmania 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)
- the number of electors enrolled in each federal electoral division in Tasmania 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)
- in relation to each proposed federal electoral division, give due consideration to:
- community of interests within the proposed federal electoral division, including economic, social and regional interests
- means of communication and travel within the proposed federal electoral division
- the physical features and area of the proposed federal electoral division, and
- the boundaries of existing federal electoral divisions in Tasmania, 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)
Note: Previous amendments to the Electoral Act have removed sub-paragraph 66(3)(b)(iii).