An independent review into the size of the ACT legislative Assembly, released recently by ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher has recommended an increase to 25 members, spread across five electorates of five members, in 2016. The report also recommends a further increase in the size of the Assembly to 35 members in either 2020 or 2024.
“The size of the Assembly has not changed since the first ACT election in 1989 and since then the number of enrolled voters has grown from 169,500 to 257,190. This means the ratio of members to electors has changed from about one per 10,000 in 1989 to one per 15,130 currently, a much higher ratio than anywhere else in Australia.” The Chief Minister commented.
Other key findings of the report included:
• An increase to 25 members at the 2016 election, 5 electorates each returning 5 members; and
• An increase to 35 members at the 2020 election, 5 electorates each returning 7 members.
• If the Assembly does not accept an increase to 25 members, the ERG supports an increase to 27 members in 2016, consisting of 3 electorates each returning 9 members.
• If the Assembly does not accept an increase to 35 members in 2020, the ERG supports an increase to 35 members at the 2024 election. The ERG understands that the electorate may need a longer transition period for such a change.
“Federal legislation now enables the Assembly to change its size, provided the change has the support of two thirds of the members, and this review is a crucial next step to ensure Canberrans receive adequate and proportional representation to the size of our city’s population growth.” The Chief Minister said.