The Bass electorate’s boundaries are set to be radically altered by the end of the year.
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The Australian Electoral Commission on Saturday published proposed changes for each of the state’s five federal electorates in order to adjust voter quotas.
There are 375,072 electors enrolled in Tasmania and the current quota per electorate is 75,014.
The new quotas and subsequent boundary changes are based on population projections to 2021.
As a result of the proposed redistribution, 21,809 electors will switch to another electorate.
The quotas can go as high as 79,677 people or as low as 74,289.
The West Tamar municipality will now fall completely in Bass, rather than be split between that electorate and Lyons.
Likewise, Latrobe will be entirely placed in Braddon and Brighton will be entirely placed in Lyons.
Part of Dorset, including Scottsdale, and all of Flinders Island will move from Bass to Lyons as well.
Reuniting West Tamar within Bass will see 7828 voters shift to the electorate but 5867 will leave through the boundary changes in the state’s North East.
Lyons will continue to be the state’s most diverse and widespread electorate, covering 14 council areas either entirely or in part.
The changes have been made by a four-person committee chaired by AEC electoral commissioner Tom Rogers with state Surveyor-General Michael Giudici, state Auditor-General Rod Whitehead, and AEC electoral officer David Molnar.
The last time the House of Representative electorate borders were moved in Tasmania was in 2008.
Written objections to the proposed redistribution can be received by the AEC until June 2.
Boundary adjustments will be finalised on November 14.
The changes come at roughly the same time as controversial amendments to the state’s Legislative Council divisions.
The changes substantially altered the existing Western Tiers and Apsley electorates and changed their names.
The changes to those divisions would see at least one Northern sitting MLC, either Tania Rattray and Greg Hall, live outside of the electorate in which they were elected.
Thirty-one submissions were received, largely voicing some opposition against any moves. Changes to the state’s Legislative Council boundaries are yet to be finalised.
