How would a mini-redistribution work for New South Wales?

Updated: 9 August 2023

For general information about how mini-redistributions work, see: How would a mini-redistribution work?

Will a mini-redistribution of New South Wales be required?

A mini-redistribution of New South Wales will only be required if the Governor-General issues the writ for a general election for the House of Representatives before the current New South Wales redistribution is determined on 10 October 2024.

Who would conduct a mini-redistribution of New South Wales?

In accordance with sub-section 76(2) of the Electoral Act, a mini-redistribution of New South Wales would be conducted by:

  • the Electoral Commissioner
  • the Australian Electoral Officer for New South Wales.

What are the pairs of contiguous electoral divisions for New South Wales?

A list of the pairs of contiguous electoral divisions is available in: New South Wales – contiguous electoral divisions

What enrolment data should be used?

The enrolment data as at the end of the month is published on the online Commonwealth Government Notices Gazette.

This monthly enrolment data is also published on the AEC website, including as a csv file. 

As this data is only published on the AEC website once it has been published in the Gazette, users are reminded to check to ensure they are using the most recently published enrolment data.

Which mini-redistribution approach would apply in New South Wales?

As the Electoral Commissioner determined on 27 July 2023 that New South Wales’s entitlement to members of the House of Representatives decreased by one from 47 to 46, the steps to be followed would be:

  • The Redistribution Commissioners prepare a list identifying all the pairs of contiguous electoral divisions in New South Wales
  • The number of electors enrolled in each possible pair of contiguous electoral divisions is identified.  This is done by using the enrolment statistics for New South Wales published in the Gazette immediately prior to the relevant day – that is, using the enrolment statistics published in the Gazette immediately prior to the day on which the Governor-General issued the writs for a general House of Representatives election
  • The Redistribution Commissioners set aside the pair of contiguous electoral divisions with the smallest number of electors enrolled
  • The Redistribution Commissioners combine the set aside pair of contiguous electoral divisions into one electoral division
  • The Redistribution Commissioners will name the new electoral division after both of the old divisions with these names in alphabetical order and hyphenated.  The new electoral division will be given the name of the Division of Y-Z
  • The Redistribution Commissioners sign the written instrument determining the names and boundaries of electoral divisions in the state or territory.

Some scenarios showing how this would work are available in: How would a mini-redistribution work in practice?