New boundaries for Barwon electorate?

The electoral districts of NSW will be reviewed in 2020 to ensure an even distribution of voters, in line with the Constitution Act 1902, Special Minister of State Don Harwin has confirmed.

“A review of electoral boundaries is required after every second State general election, to take into account movement of voters and new enrolments, and ensure that each electoral district has a balanced population for fair voting,” Mr Harwin said.

Narrabri National Party branch chairman David Scilley welcomed a review of the Barwon electorate boundary.

“The area is too much for one representative to cover,” he said.

Barwon covers 44 per cent of the land area of NSW.

“It is way too big to get effective representation,” said Mr Scilley.

“It puts too much pressure on the local Member and the public in the electorate doesn’t get the access to the Member.

“And with this end of the electorate looking at expansion with new industries, coal, gas, the Inland Rail moving ahead, and if we get a rebound in agriculture with more rain, we will have a shortage of people.

“Governments need to look at these issues beforehand and see the possibilities ahead.

“We are looking at an increase in businesses. Narrabri is in a position to go ahead in leaps and bounds.”

The last boundary redistribution began in 2012 and concluded in September 2013, with the current electoral boundaries applying for the 2015 and 2019 State general elections. The redistribution process is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2021.

The 2023 New South Wales state election will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

The distribution process focuses on ensuring there is a similar number of electors in each district, with a 10 per cent difference in the average allowed.

Under the Electoral Act 2017, the redistribution process is conducted by the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel, comprising the NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt, NSW Surveyor-General Ms Narelle Underwood and a chair appointed by the Governor. The Panel will be chaired by the Hon. Justice Arthur Emmett AO QC.

“Justice Emmett brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as chairperson of the Panel, including his previous experience as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia and a Judge of Appeal at the NSW Court of Appeal,” Mr Harwin said.

Under the Electoral Act, the independent Redistribution Panel is required to provide public notice of the redistribution, including invitations for suggestions and comments in writing on the redistribution.

The Act also provides for public hearing into submissions or comment on its draft determination.