Electoral (Redistribution Commission) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill proposed changes to how Queensland's electoral boundaries are decided. It would have expanded the independent Redistribution Commission from 3 to 5 members, allowed it to decide the number of electoral districts (between 89 and 94), and given it more flexibility for very large rural electorates. The bill failed at its second reading and did not become law.

Who it affects

Queensland voters, people living in very large remote electorates, and political parties whose leaders would have gained a say over Commission appointments. Because the bill failed, current arrangements are unchanged.

Key changes

• Redistribution Commission would have grown from 3 to 5 members, adding two experts in demography, statistics, or regional and town planning
• Commission appointments would have needed the support of every recognised party leader in parliament
• The number of Queensland electoral districts would have been set by the Commission, between 89 and 94, rather than fixed at 89
• Weighting for very large electorates (100,000 square kilometres or more) could have been lifted from 2% up to 4%
• The bill was defeated at its second reading and did not become law