Tara Murray
Booming population growth in Melbourne’s northwest has triggered proposals for a dramatic redistribution of federal electoral boundaries.
The Redistribution Committee for Victoria published a report on Friday proposing names and boundaries for Victoria’s federal electoral divisions, including a new seat covering Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury named after late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said the redistribution has been forced by the need to increase the number of electoral divisions in Victoria from 38 to 39.
“Under the proposal, the boundaries of all but nine of Victoria’s existing electoral divisions would change, the additional division of Hawke would be created and one electoral division would be renamed,” Mr Rogers said.
“Ongoing population growth in parts of Victoria has led the Redistribution Committee to propose a number of substantial changes to some of the state’s electoral division boundaries.”
If the proposed changes go through, it will result in thousands of Brimbank residents voting in different electorates at the next election.
Delahey, some Keilor, Keilor Downs. Kings Park, Sydenham and Taylors Lakes residents which currently vote in Fraser, will be transferred to the Gorton electorate, which is currently held by Brendan O’Connor.
Nearly 7000 Hillside residents will move from Gorton to the new seat of Hawke.
The electorate of Fraser, held by Daniel Mulino, will gain nearly 6000 Braybrook residents along with parts of the Maribyrnong council area.
Some Keilor residents, along with Melbourne Airport and Tullamarine residents will move from the seat of Caldwell to Maribyrnong under the changes. Former opposition leader Bill Shorten currently holds the seat of Maribyrnong.
Written objections to the proposed redistribution must be lodged by 6pm Friday, April 16.
Further details: www.aec.gov.au
