Determination of names and boundaries of federal electoral divisions in Victoria: 26 July 2021
As determined by the Electoral Commissioner on 3 July 2020, Victoria is entitled to 39 members of the House of Representatives.
Pursuant to sub-section 73(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act), the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria has determined the names of the 39 electoral divisions are:
Pursuant to sub-section 73(1) of the Electoral Act, the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria has determined that the boundaries of these electoral divisions are as shown on the maps displayed on the Australian Electoral Commission website at www.aec.gov.au/Electorates/Redistributions and lodged in file number 2021/4028 at the National Office of the Australian Electoral Commission in Canberra.
The augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria has made decisions in accordance with the requirements of sub-sections 73(3), 73(4) and 73(4A) of the Electoral Act.
As provided for by sub-section 73(1) of the Electoral Act, and subject to the provisions of the Electoral Act, the electoral divisions determined by this notice will apply from 26 July 2021 until the next determination of names and boundaries of electoral divisions in Victoria is published in the Commonwealth Government Notices Gazette pursuant to sub-section 73(1) or sub-section 76(6) of the Electoral Act.
Pursuant to sub-section 73(6) of the Electoral Act, until the next following expiration or dissolution of the House of Representatives the redistribution does not affect the election of a new member to fill a vacancy happening in the House of Representatives.
The Hon. Justice Susan Kenny AM
Chairperson
Augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria
Overview
The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serves to regulate the conduct of elections for members of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. This Act was introduced to address the need for a structured framework governing the electoral process, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established legal principles. The Act, overseen by the Electoral Commission, delineates the boundaries of electoral divisions, ensuring that each division is represented proportionately according to population. This determination process was recently updated on 26 July 2021, with the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria determining the names and boundaries of the 39 electoral divisions in Victoria. These decisions are designed to maintain the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, reflecting the democratic principle that each member of the House of Representatives should represent an approximately equal number of electors.
Scope and Application
This legislation, Gazetted as C2021G00595, pertains to the determination of names and boundaries for federal electoral divisions within the state of Victoria, effective from 26 July 2021. The determination, made by the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria on 3 July 2020, establishes 39 electoral divisions, each with specified names and boundaries as outlined in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. These divisions are identified by their unique names such as Aston, Fraser, and La Trobe, and their boundaries are documented on maps available on the Australian Electoral Commission website and in official records lodged with the Commission in Canberra. The determination is subject to the provisions of the Electoral Act, ensuring compliance with the requirements set forth in sub-sections 73(3), 73(4), and 73(4A). Importantly, this determination does not affect the election of a new member to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives until the next expiration or dissolution of the House, as provided for by sub-section 73(6) of the Electoral Act.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Gazetted Determination of names and boundaries of federal electoral divisions in Victoria, 2021, revolve around the determination of the electoral divisions' names and boundaries, as per sub-section 73(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act). The Gazette, issued on 26 July 2021, identifies the 39 electoral divisions for Victoria, including their names and boundaries, as determined by the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria on 3 July 2020. The names and boundaries are displayed on maps available on the Australian Electoral Commission website and are also lodged in file number 2021/4028 at the National Office of the Australian Electoral Commission in Canberra.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties or entities it governs include the determination of the electoral divisions' names and boundaries by the augmented Electoral Commission for Victoria. This determination must be made in accordance with the requirements of sub-sections 73(3), 73(4), and 73(4A) of the Electoral Act. The Electoral Act also stipulates that the redistribution of electoral divisions does not affect the election of a new member to fill a vacancy happening in the House of Representatives, as per sub-section 73(6).
Any breaches of the provisions outlined in the Electoral Act may result in offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences. However, the Gazette itself does not explicitly detail the penalties or consequences for breach. It is important to note that any violations of the Electoral Act would be subject to the provisions of the Act and may be pursued under relevant criminal or civil laws. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Electoral Act may vary depending on the specific offence and the jurisdiction in which the offence is committed. It is advisable to consult the full text of the Electoral Act and relevant legal resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential penalties and consequences for any breaches.