What is a redistribution and why should you care?
We are in the midst of a number of electoral redistributions - but why should you care, and what does it have to do with the social purpose sector?
By Neil Pharaoh
As the population changes, redistributions occur in both state and federal electoral boundaries, to ensure that districts are roughly the same population size (subject to a few limits). You may have received notice of this via a letter in the mail, to say you have moved electorate or are part of a new electorate.
Federally, in Australia, a redistribution occurs when there are big population changes, or a district becomes substantially over (or under) the “quota” of voters, or every seven years – whichever comes sooner. Each state or territory has slightly different rules, but all are very similar. Practically, this means redrawing the boundaries of electorates, but also sometimes results in name changes of electoral divisions as well.
Recently, we completed a Federal redistribution which sees an additional seat in Victoria, and a seat removed in WA. At state level, Victoria is currently undertaking a redrawing of its state electorate boundaries.
In Australia, we are lucky that these are done independently by the Electoral Boundaries Commission; however, public submissions are also welcomed and encouraged.
So why should you care about political boundaries changing?
There are a number of reasons why social purpose organisations should be across changes to political boundaries:
You may have a new or different MP, and they may be from a different political party. This may mean going back to basics for engagement, connection and activities, or it could mean switching from government to opposition or vice versa – giving, or taking away access and insights you may have already built over time. Likewise, a new candidate or MP may be keen to engage.
Your seat may become marginal, or safe. The political engagement strategy is very different for a marginal seat, versus a safe one. Marginal seats are all about reach, profile and engagement; whereas in safe seats, politics is more focussed on the political party.
Many grant programs are electorate funded, either explicitly or implicitly, so make sure you know if your grant or program will be impacted. Many smaller programs are rolled out with a certain number per electorate or region - this may shift if you change boundaries, and may reduce or increase competition for such grants.
Your electorate ‘category’ may change – regional, rural, remote, urban, suburban. Each opens new opportunities and challenges, and different potential investment and grants from government.
Boundary changes have the potential to impact or change governments. Often, governments may only hold their position by a seat or two, so small changes across boundaries or states do have the opportunity to impact election outcomes. Being attentive to this also helps you understand policy and funding frames for future elections.
Seat names are also considered as part of this process, and in recent years we have seen a positive trend towards more recognition of First Nations in electorate naming.
For all the above reasons, as well as being active civic participants, social purpose organisations may wish to consider making public submissions to boundary changes – whether it be to ensure your service delivery fits cleanly into one electorate, or strategically you may wish for your services to be across multiple. You may also add comment over district names, and add support to organisations campaigning in this space as well.
Submissions can be quite short (a letter) or more detailed (with demographics and data); however, in my experience, independent boundary commissions do pay attention to social purpose and civic organisations that take the time to express their views around boundaries and the communities they serve. Submission guidelines are available online and submissions are public - so be attentive, noting that what you say will be in the public domain.
While a rather mundane and practical element of working with and partnering with government (unless of course you are a psephologist), it is still a critical part of engaging with government, particularly in Victoria, where both state and federal redraws will be happening at the same time.
This article first appeared at Pro Bono Australia as part of Tanck's fortnightly column, Happenings on the Hill.
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