File size must be less than 2Mb
You must have online publishing permission or full ownership of this image
File types (jpg, png, gif)
07 July 2021
The entire July 7, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
By Dean Lawson
Victoria’s traditionally swinging seat of Ripon is likely to capture considerable statewide attention when Victorians go to the polls in next year’s state election.
Article continues below
Under proposed changes to Victoria’s electoral boundaries and based on figures from the last election, Ripon is likely to gather about 2.7 percent more Labor than Liberal votes.
Liberal Louise Staley held Ripon by only 15 votes based on previous electoral boundaries after the 2018 election.
New proposed electoral boundaries show Ripon maintaining Ararat but spreading to the east to pick up fringe areas of Ballarat while losing Stawell, Donald and Charlton.
Lowan electorate, safely held by the Nationals’ Emma Kealy and the largest geographically in the state, inherits Stawell while pushing southeast to include Mortlake district.
Based on last election figures, Lowan’s Labor-voting turnout will increase by 1.9 percent.
Victoria’s Electoral Boundaries Commission, EBC, has released the proposed electoral boundaries for public comment.
A redivision of electoral boundaries for both houses of parliament is designed to ensure that each vote in Victorian elections has an equal value and that each elector is represented equally in the Victorian Parliament. As part of the final stage of public consultation, people can comment on the proposed boundaries by lodging written submissions before 5pm on July 30. Written submissions can be lodged on website ebc.vic.gov.au.
The EBC will prepare final boundaries, to take effect at the 2022 November State Election, by late October, 2021.
Disappointed
Ms Staley said she was disappointed that she would lose the opportunity to represent Stawell, Donald and Charlton districts.
“I really enjoy being part of those communities,” she said.
“I think they’re fabulous people and communities. It’s been and continues to be a delight and privilege to get to know them.
“Regardless of what’s happened I will continue to represent the community.”
Ms Kealy, meanwhile, welcomed Stawell and a region southeast of the Grampians to an electorate that made up the bulk of western Victoria.
“I look forward to contesting the next election and fighting for local people to ensure their voice is heard,” she said.
“The Nationals represent local community, which is very much about decentralisation and ensuring local people have appropriate services and support and live in a great place to learn and run a business.
“I think the changes for Lowan represent a good fit.”
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately, one of three members of the independent EBC, said he was pleased with the level of community engagement in an initial consultation period.
He issued a further call for Victorians to have their say.
“In December 2020 the EBC invited submissions from the public and received 58 submissions – five from political parties, 15 from organisations and community groups and 38 from individuals,” Mr Gately said.
