FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the Acting Australian Electoral Commissioner Kevin Kitson is inviting members of the public to submit written suggestions about the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in New South Wales.

Mr Joyce said interested individuals and organisations could provide written suggestions and comments on these suggestions about the redistribution, which will see NSW decrease its representation from 48 to 47 federal electoral divisions.

“Written suggestions must be received by the Redistribution Committee for New South Wales by 6pm (AEST) on Friday 22 May 2015 to allow them to be considered,” he said.

Mr Joyce said in making its proposal of revised electoral boundaries, the Committee must ensure the number of electors in each division meets strict numerical criteria.

In addition, the Committee will consider communities of interest, means of communications and travel, and the physical features and area of the proposed divisions.

Information about the process is on the AEC website www.aec.gov.au/Electorates/Redistributions

The best way to lodge a submission with the Redistribution Committee is via the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au/nsw-redistribution

Suggestions and comments can also be submitted:

By email to FedRedistribution-NSW@aec.gov.au;
In person at the office of the Redistribution Committee for NSW Level 10, 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW;
by mail to PO Box 20799, World Square, NSW, 2000; or
by fax to (02) 6215 9913.

The Committee will continue its consultation process by making all suggestions received available for public inspection from Monday, 25 May 2015. The public will then have until 6pm (AEST) on Friday 5 June 2015 to lodge any written comments they may have on the suggestions.