Electoral Council of Australia

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Electoral Systems

 

Parliaments and Local Councils

Redistribution Provisions and Frequency

Commonwealth

Head of State
Governor-general
Leader of Government
Prime Minister

Senate

The Constitution and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
(i) If the enrolment in at least one third of the Division in State/Territory is more than 10% above or below the average enrolment for the State/Territory for a period of more than 2 months;
(ii) If the number of members to be chosen in State/Territory alters; or
(iii) If a period of 7 years has passed since the last redistribution.

House of Representatives

 

New South Wales

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

Legislative Council

Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912.
Constitutional Act 1902. Conducted by "Electoral Districts Commission", Supreme Court Judge (current or retired), Surveyor General and Electoral Commissioner.

Legislative Assembly

After 2 elections by law; 25% of seats outside quota.

Local Councils

Local Government Act 1993 by law.

Victoria

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

Legislative Council

Electoral Boundaries Commission Act 1982.
When approximate equality requirements no longer apply to a substantial extent.

Legislative Assembly

 

Local Councils

Local Government Act 1989.
Review at least once every 6 years.

Queensland

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

(Legislative Council abolished 1922)
Legislative Assembly

Conducted under Electoral Act 1992.
When approximate equality requirements no longer apply or after 3 general elections.

Local Councils

Local Government Act 1993; and City of Brisbane Act 1924. Every 4 years, if quota requirements are not met (divided LGs only).

Western Australia

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

Legislative Council

Electoral Distribution Act 1947.
After two general elections.

Legislative Assembly

 

Local Councils

Local Government Act 1995.
The Local Government Advisory Board makes recommendations on suggested redistributions to the Minister for Local Government.

South Australia

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

Legislative Council

Constitution Act 1934.

House of Assembly

Redistribution after every general election.

Local Councils

All councils must conduct a review of elector representation at least once every 6 years. Council or public initiated submissions relating to (i) alteration of council boundaries (ii) alteration to composition/structure of council including creation, alteration or abolition of wards are referred to Boundary Adjustment Facilitation Panel.

Tasmania

Head of State
Governor
Leader of Government
Premier

Legislative Council

Legislative Council Electoral Boundaries Act 1995.
Every 9 years unless 4 Divisions vary by more than 25% from the average divisional enrolment.

House of Assembly

Same as Commonwealth.

Local Councils

No set provisions.

Northern Territory

Head of State
Administrator
Leader of Government
Chief Minister

Legislative Assembly

Northern Territory Self Government Act 1978.
Northern Territory Electoral Act 1995.
A distribution of boundaries is carried out when the enrolment in any division exceeds or is less than one fifth on the quota. The quota is calculated by dividing the total enrolment by number of Divisions. A distribution of boundaries usually occurs before each general election.

Municipal Councils

Local Government Act.
Every 4 years.

Local Councils

Local Government Act.
Every 4 years.

Australian Capital Territory

Head of State
Governor-general (the Governor-general has certain reserve powers and can disallow legislation, recommend amendments to legislation and under extreme circumstance dissolve the Assembly.)
Leader of Government
Chief Minister (The Chief Minister is elected by the Assembly and exercises a number of powers normally exercised by a Governor including appointment of Ministers and signing law into effect.)

Legislative Assembly

Electoral Act 1992.
Australian Capital Territory (Self Government) Act
1988.
Redistribution after every general election.

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