The recent electoral redistribution in Tasmania has sparked a wave of change, with over a quarter of the state's population set to vote in new electorates. This move, orchestrated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), is a significant shift that impacts not just the boundaries but also the political landscape of the state. The changes, as outlined by Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope, are the most substantial in recent memory, aiming to realign communities of interest and address issues of numerical balance. While the decision to move the Glenorchy City Council area from the city-based electorate of Clark to the rural electorate of Lyons has sparked widespread community concern, it is a move that is seen as necessary to ensure electorates remain numerically balanced. The decision also includes a name change, with Franklin to be renamed Tongerlongeter in honour of the Aboriginal leader and warrior who died in 1837. This move is a significant step towards recognizing the indigenous history of Tasmania and is a first for a Tasmanian electorate. The changes have far-reaching implications, affecting not just the boundaries but also the political representation of key figures. Federal Assistant Health Minister Rebecca White will now live in Franklin, rather than Lyons, while at the state level, Treasurer Eric Abetz, Shadow Treasurer Dean Winter, and Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff will all reside in Clark, rather than Franklin. These shifts mean that parties may need to consider adjustments ahead of the next federal and state elections. The redistribution also impacts the local government areas, with the Break O'Day council area moving from Lyons into the northern electorate of Bass. The decision to move Blackstone Heights and Prospect Vale into the electorate has been abandoned, and the north-west electorate of Braddon will remain unchanged. The changes in Clark are particularly noteworthy, with the electorate shifting southward to include the rest of the Kingborough municipality and the Huon Valley. This will result in a significant shift of voters, with 39,430 electors moving from Franklin to Clark. However, 33,369 voters will shift into Lyons when the Glenorchy municipality is moved into the rural electorate. The changes in Lyons are also significant, with the electorate losing almost 35,000 voters from the south-east coast to Franklin. The biggest change is the addition of 33,369 voters from the local government area of Glenorchy, with voters in places like Austins Ferry, Glenorchy, Moonah, and Chigwell, plus a small number of voters in New Town and Lenah Valley, all shifting into Lyons. The changes in the electoral boundaries have sparked a range of reactions, with some expressing concern and others welcoming the move. The decision to rename Franklin as Tongerlongeter has also sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a step towards recognizing the indigenous history of Tasmania. However, others have criticized the move, arguing that it is a token gesture that does not address the broader issues of indigenous recognition and representation. Overall, the electoral redistribution in Tasmania is a significant shift that impacts the boundaries, political representation, and local government areas of the state. The changes are a reflection of the ongoing efforts to realign communities of interest and address issues of numerical balance, and they will have a lasting impact on the political landscape of Tasmania. Personally, I think that the changes in the electoral boundaries are a necessary step towards ensuring that the voices of all Tasmanians are heard. The decision to rename Franklin as Tongerlongeter is a significant step towards recognizing the indigenous history of Tasmania and is a move that should be welcomed. However, I also believe that there is a need for further action to address the broader issues of indigenous recognition and representation. The changes in the electoral boundaries are a step in the right direction, but they are just the beginning of a longer journey towards a more inclusive and representative political system.
