2023 NT Electoral Boundary Redistribution - First proposal released

The Redistribution Committee has released the first proposed redistribution of electoral boundaries following public consultation. The redistribution aims to, as near as practicable, achieve an equal distribution of electors across all divisions, as required by the Electoral Act 2004.

The first proposal maintains the boundaries of 9 divisions, including Araluen, Barkly, Braitling, Daly, Goyder, Gwoja, Katherine, Namatjira and Port Darwin. A minor adjustment is suggested for the division of Arafura, without any elector movement.

Of the Territory’s 25 divisions, 20 will be within a 5% variance of the quota after the proposed changes. The divisions of Arnhem (10.4%), Fong Lim (-7.1%), Mulka (7.4%),
Port Darwin (-5.7%) and Wanguri (-5.7%) are the exceptions.

Significant changes are proposed for divisions in Palmerston which also impact Fong Lim and Nelson. These adjustments are necessary due to exceptionally high elector numbers in Spillett, and growing numbers in Drysdale.

Darwin will also see modifications in 8 out of its 9 divisions mostly stemming from the high number of electors in Wanguri and low elector numbers in Fannie Bay and Fong Lim.

Outside of Darwin and Palmerston few changes are proposed. Only the boundary between Arnhem and Mulka is proposed to change in order to reduce to number of electors in Mulka.

There are no proposed changes to any division names.

Electoral boundaries are reviewed before each Territory general election, and any changes resulting from the redistribution will take effect at the next general election.

As part of the ongoing consultation, objections against the first proposed redistribution are now open, closing 29 November 2023. Objections must be in writing and addressed to the Committee via:

Email: secretariat.ntec@nt.gov.au
Post: c/o NT Electoral Commission, GPO Box 2419, Darwin, NT, 0801.
Hand: c/o NT Electoral Commission, Level 3, TCG Centre, 80 Mitchell Street, Darwin.

For more information please visit the 2023 NT Electoral Boundary Redistribution webpage.