Redistribution of Federal Electoral Divisions in Tasmania Suggestions and Comments on Suggestions 8 October 2025

Overview

The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, enacted by the Australian Parliament, governs the redistribution of federal electoral divisions in Tasmania. This redistribution is necessitated by the lapse of more than seven years since the last adjustment, as mandated by section 59 of the Act. In accordance with section 64 of the Act, the Electoral Commissioner has initiated this process by inviting suggestions and comments on the proposed redistribution from interested individuals and organisations. The Redistribution Committee for Tasmania must adhere to the requirements outlined in section 66, ensuring that the number of electors in each proposed division does not deviate by more than 10 per cent above or below the redistribution quota of 82,635. Furthermore, the committee must strive to keep the projected enrolments within plus and minus 3.5 per cent of the quota of 84,557 by the projection time on Monday 8 April 2030, while also considering factors such as community interests, means of communication, and the physical features of the proposed divisions. The redistribution aims to maintain equitable representation and comply with the legal stipulations of the Electoral Act.

Scope and Application

The Tasmanian Redistribution of Federal Electoral Divisions is governed by the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, which mandates the redistribution when more than seven years have passed since the last one. This Act applies to the Electoral Commissioner, the Redistribution Committee for Tasmania, and any interested individuals or organisations wishing to make suggestions or comments. The redistribution process is specific to Tasmania, a state of Australia, and is conducted to ensure electoral divisions comply with the requirements set forth in the Electoral Act. The redistribution quota for Tasmania is 82,635, with adjustments to be made so that the number of electors in each proposed electoral division does not deviate by more than 10% above or below this quota. As far as practicable, the Redistribution Committee must also ensure that the number of electors enrolled in each electoral division does not deviate by more than 3.5% above or below the projected enrolment quota of 84,557 at the projection time of 8 April 2030. The Electoral Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions for this redistribution process, and the Act's requirements are binding on the Redistribution Committee. Submissions must be made by the specified deadlines, and all submissions will be made publicly available on the Australian Electoral Commission's website, with identifying information removed.

Key Provisions

Section 64 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) requires the Electoral Commissioner to invite interested individuals or organisations to provide written suggestions regarding the redistribution of federal electoral divisions in Tasmania. This invitation is made to facilitate public participation in the process. Under this section, submissions can be made from Wednesday, 8 October 2025, and written comments on these suggestions can be submitted up until a later date. The redistribution is necessitated by the requirement in section 59 of the Electoral Act that such a process must commence when more than seven years have elapsed since the last redistribution. The Electoral Commission directed this redistribution to commence on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, in line with this legislative mandate. The Redistribution Committee for Tasmania is bound by several key provisions outlined in section 66 of the Electoral Act. The number of electors in each proposed electoral division must not deviate by more than 10 per cent above or below the redistribution quota, which is 82,635. Furthermore, the Committee must ensure, as far as practicable, that the number of electors in each division does not deviate by more than 3.5 per cent above or below the projected enrolment quota of 84,557 at the projection time of Monday, 8 April 2030. The Committee is also mandated to consider several factors when proposing new boundaries, including community interests, means of communication and travel, physical features, and existing boundaries, though the latter is subordinate to the other factors. The obligations imposed on the Redistribution Committee include ensuring that all submissions to the redistribution process are made publicly available on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website. Submissions must be received by the AEC by the specified deadlines to be considered. Those making submissions are advised to ensure their submissions are received by the relevant closing time. Additionally, signatures and any identifying residential addresses will be removed prior to publication to maintain anonymity as required by the Electoral Act. Those intending to make submissions are strongly encouraged to read the ‘Have your say’ page on the AEC’s website for further information. Section 66 of the Electoral Act does not specify any direct offences, penalties, or consequences for breach of its provisions. However, failure to comply with the statutory requirements for the redistribution process, such as meeting the specified deviations for the number of electors, could result in legal challenges or disputes. Non-compliance could lead to the redistribution being deemed invalid, potentially requiring a re-evaluation and adjustment of the electoral boundaries. While the Act does not explicitly state maximum penalties, any legal repercussions would likely be addressed through the courts, which could impose appropriate remedies or directives to ensure compliance with the Act.