This year’s electoral map of Australia reflects a significant change from 2022, namely the disappearance of one parliamentary seat due to boundary redistributions. These adjustments to electorate boundaries are undertaken to ensure equal representation in alignment with population shifts before elections.
Redistribution is essential to maintain appropriate seat numbers reflective of population changes across states and territories, which has historically included redrawing boundaries for a more balanced electorate size. In 2023, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have all witnessed boundary changes since the last federal election.
Notably, Western Australia gained a new seat named Bullwinkel, honouring World War II nurse Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel. In contrast, both New South Wales and Victoria lost a seat, with North Sydney and Higgins being abolished. This leaves Australia with 150 seats, which is one less than in the previous election.
The impact of these changes varies. Labor has lost a seat with the abolition of Higgins but gained a potential foothold in Bullwinkel, which currently leans slightly toward them by 3.35 per cent. The most significant loss was that of Kylea Tink, the MP for North Sydney, who opted not to run again due to the absence of her seat amid a highly competitive electoral landscape shaped by similar representatives in adjacent areas.
The redrawn boundaries have substantially altered the dynamics in several electorates. For example, Bennelong’s boundaries have shifted to incorporate traditionally Liberal strongholds from North Sydney, now giving it a slight Liberal majority with a mere 0.04 per cent margin. Similarly, Menzies, held by Liberal Keith Wolahan, is now notionally a Labor seat.
Electorate margins have also evolved significantly; for instance, Labor’s position in Chisholm has decreased from a 6.4 per cent to 3.3 per cent margin, making it a target for Coalition challengers. The redistribution has also adjusted the margins in various electorates, including Canning, where shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie’s margin has shrunk from 3.6 per cent to 1.2 per cent.
In summary, the 2023 federal election is set against a backdrop of modified electoral boundaries that could reshape political contests, with each party needing to adjust their strategies in the face of these critical changes.