A shake-up of Queensland’s electoral map has been proposed, with two electorates slated for abolition and two new seats to be created, primarily in the state’s burgeoning southeast. The Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC) has put forward these significant changes, the first of their kind since 2017, after a thorough review of all 93 state electorates. The review aimed to address significant population shifts and ensure each electorate remains “in quota” – meaning it has a suitable number of voters, both currently and projected for the next seven years.
Electorates on the Chopping Block
The QRC’s proposal includes the abolition of two existing seats: Stretton, a Labor-held electorate in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, currently represented by James Martin, and Hill, a north Queensland seat held by Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) member Shane Knuth. This marks the third time Mr. Knuth, a veteran Queensland politician, has faced a potential loss of his seat due to electoral boundary adjustments.
The KAP has voiced strong opposition to the proposed axing of the Hill electorate. KAP leader Robbie Katter has accused the Liberal National Party (LNP) of orchestrating the move, suggesting their submission to the review specifically targeted the KAP’s north Queensland seat. “It’s interesting that the only seat they truly abolished, they shuffled some around in Brisbane, the only one they truly abolished was the KAP seat in in north Queensland, which is extraordinary from a premier that claims to be from north Queensland,” Mr. Katter stated.
The future of Mr. Knuth’s political career remains uncertain. While KAP leader Robbie Katter expressed confidence in his ability to win any seat he contests, Mr. Knuth himself has indicated a determination to fight the proposed changes. “I’ve been a dead man walking for the last 20 years. I’ve survived 2 redistributions,” he commented, suggesting he plans to contest the decision. He remained coy about which electorate he might run in should the boundaries change, and did not rule out the possibility of a move into federal politics.
The Stretton electorate is proposed to be absorbed into the neighbouring Brisbane electorates of Toohey and Algester, helping to rebalance voter numbers in the south of the city. Similarly, the Hill electorate would be divided and incorporated into the surrounding electorates of Mulgrave, Hinchinbrook, and Flinders. The QRC stressed that these proposed changes were “not made lightly,” underscoring the significant consideration given to population distribution and future growth.
New Seats for Growing Regions
In response to rapid population growth, particularly in the Moreton Bay region, the QRC has proposed the creation of a new electorate. This new seat, to be named Caboolture, would extend westward from the existing Pumicestone electorate and encompass areas up into Glass House.
Another new electorate, Springfield, is also proposed to ease pressure on the Logan and Ipswich regions, both experiencing substantial population increases.
The LNP has expressed concern over the creation of new seats in what they perceive as Labor’s traditional strongholds. LNP state director Ben Riley remarked, “We will now take some time to assess what the creation of these new Labor seats means.” The LNP’s submission to the review had indeed called for the creation of two new seats in the Caboolture and Logan-Ipswich corridors, aligning with the QRC’s proposal for new electorates in these areas, though the LNP is critical of their perceived political leanings.
Opposition Leader Steven Miles stated that Labor would be “analysing the draft boundaries closely and voicing our concerns,” indicating a thorough examination of the proposed changes from the government’s perspective.
Rethinking Electorate Names
Beyond boundary adjustments, the QRC is also proposing a significant overhaul of electorate names. Following a trend from the previous redistribution which saw 11 electorates renamed in honour of notable deceased Australians, the current review suggests renaming almost 20 electorates to better reflect their geographical location.
The commission’s rationale is clear: “We are of the view that voter recognition of an electorate’s location is essential. Electorate names which do not identify or suggest the location of an electorate are apt to cause unnecessary confusion.” This move aims to simplify voter identification and understanding of electoral districts.
The Road Ahead
Public objections and submissions regarding the proposed boundary changes are now open for a period of one month. Following this consultation phase, the redistribution process is expected to be finalised by June. The new electoral boundaries and districts will officially come into effect for the 2028 state election, shaping the political landscape of Queensland for years to come. This comprehensive review underscores the dynamic nature of electoral representation, continually adapting to the evolving demographics and growth patterns across the state.
