THE Electoral Commission has published its report proposing new federal electoral boundaries for the ACT’s two electoral divisions of Canberra and Fraser.

The Chair of the Redistribution Committee, and Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers said the redistribution was required under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) as more than seven years had elapsed since a federal redistribution was last undertaken in the ACT.

“The proposals would see some electors in Canberra’s inner northern suburbs transferred to the southern Division of Canberra with effect at the next federal election,” Tom said.

“The changes reflect faster population and enrolment growth trends on the north-side of Canberra in recent years, as well as taking into account the projected enrolment in both divisions through to a target date of 28 July 2019.

“The Committee faced a situation where by mid–2019 the enrolment totals for the two ACT divisions would differ to the extent that neither would meet the numerical rules and requirements under the Electoral Act.

“The status quo cannot be maintained, because without boundary adjustment, electoral enrolment in the Division of Canberra will become comparatively too small and Fraser too large.

“After careful deliberation, the Redistribution Committee has also proposed re-naming the northern Division of Fraser to Fenner in honour of the distinguished scientist Professor Frank Fenner.

The full details of the ACT Redistribution Committee proposals are available in its report at aec.gov.au.

ANU has expressed it’s glee at the re-naming:

The Australian National University (ANU) is delighted with the proposal to name one of Canberra’s federal electorates after distinguished Professor Frank Fenner AC.

“This is a great honour for Professor Fenner’s family and the University,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young AO.

“This honour will place ANU and its outstanding research strengths at the heart of the Canberra community, and demonstrate the University’s ties with Canberra.”

Professor Fenner, who died in 2010 aged 95, was one of Australia’s greatest scientists. He is best known for his work to control Australia’s rabbit plague, for helping to eradicate smallpox around the world, and for his work to fight malaria in Papua New Guinea.

UPDATE: Those being shunted south should bear in mind Gai’s speech to the House of Representatives on February 13 2012:

Southside residents: take a stand. We cannot let those in the north delude themselves into thinking they have got it better than we do. I urge all members living on the south to stay vigilant. Do not be sucked in by the member for Fraser’s voodoo. Stay south and prosper.

UPDATE: Here’s the proposed boundary:

[Photo: “Professor Frank Fenner” by Source (WP:NFCC#4). Licensed under Wikipedia.]